Director of Operations

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions. Click here ( to learn more.

Job Description

Location: Graham, KYReports to: VP of Operations

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD), we bring nearly 200 years of innovation to the development of mission-critical energetic systems supporting defense and space programs. Our work operates in high-consequence environments where safety, precision, and discipline are non-negotiable.

We are seeking a Director of Operations to lead a growing energetics manufacturing site and scale operations without compromising safety, compliance, or execution. This role serves as the operational leader for a 150-person, high-risk manufacturing site, with full ownership of performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Beyond execution, this leader will play a key role in shaping the next generation of operations, talent, and manufacturing capability at EBAD - building the systems, culture, and leadership pipeline required to support long-term growth in a mission-critical environment.

What You’ll Own

• Full-site leadership in a high-mix, low-volume, high-consequence manufacturing environment

• Ownership of site performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost

• Ensure strict adherence to explosive safety, process controls, and regulatory standards

• Operate within a PSM-regulated environment with full compliance to federal, DoD, and explosive safety requirements

• Build and develop teams with a safety-first, accountability-driven culture

• Drive performance through EBAD’s operating system (EBOS) and lean execution discipline

• Lead production ramp, capacity expansion, and operational readiness aligned to customer demand

What We’re Looking For

Required Experience

• 15+ years of operations leadership in high-hazard manufacturing environments

• Direct experience in energetics or explosives manufacturing (e.g., propellants, detonators, high explosives such as RDX or similar)

• Background in aerospace & defense or similarly regulated industries

• Experience supporting DoD programs and contracts

• Ability to obtain DoD Security Clearance

Technical & Regulatory Depth

• Working knowledge of energetic materials (RDX, HMX, propellants, detonators)

• Strong understanding of explosive safety, hazard analysis, and risk mitigation

• Experience with ITAR, ATF, and DoD regulatory environments

Leadership

• Proven ability to lead teams in high-consequence environments where safety is critical

• Track record of driving continuous improvement without compromising safety or quality

• Experience building teams, developing leaders, and scaling operations through growth

Why This Role

• Lead a critical, high-consequence manufacturing operation

• Shape and scale a site during a period of significant growth and transformation

• Build the next generation of operational capability and leadership within EBAD

• Join a long-standing, mission-driven defense company with a legacy of innovation

Compensation and Rewards

We recognize that world-class leaders deliver world-class impact, and we reward accordingly. This role offers a competitive executive package that includes:

Base Salary: $175k – $225k plus annual bonus

Executive Relocation: Comprehensive support for a seamless transition

Additional Enhancements: Potential sign-on incentives and tailored rewards based on experience

We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with skills & experience, with flexibility to reward top talent and extraordinary qualifications.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

EBI's 190-year history has been shaped by innovation and stewardship defining who we are today: a family-owned, independently led, and professionally managed company united by our people, Core Values, and Winning Vision. We invite you to explore our three strong businesses and discover how you can help shape the next chapter of our story.

Ensign-Bickford Industries ( founded in 1836, is a privately-owned high technology conglomerate that participates in businesses that are relevant to the future of the world and have multigenerational growth prospects. As One EBI, we innovate in science and technology for the safety, health, and well-being of society, creating exceptional long-term value.

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