Vice President of Operations

Who We Are Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion. The Role: Vice President of Operations The Vice President of Operations will serve as a key enterprise leader responsible for driving large‑scale operational transformation and building the systems, teams, and processes that enable the company to transition from early-stage execution to a fully scaled, high-performing organization. In this role, you will own the synchronization of core company operations, lead business maturity initiatives, and architect operational capabilities that support rapid growth. You will oversee strategic planning for cross-company initiatives, guide company-wide operating rhythms, and lead teams responsible for security, facilities, environmental health and safety, and export control compliance. As a member of the executive leadership team, you will serve as a trusted advisor to the COO and senior leaders, effectively balancing long-term strategic vision with disciplined operational execution. What You’ll Get to Do Provide Enterprise-Wide Operational Leadership: Lead cross-functional planning and decision-making across all major company functions. Drive annual and multi-year strategic operating plans, ensuring alignment with financial goals, capital planning, and organizational priorities. Partner with Finance to build scalable budgeting, cost modeling, inventory accounting, and operational forecasting processes. Collaborate with Program Management on planning, schedules, staffing, and risk mitigation. Drive Business Maturity and Scaling Initiatives: Develop the integrated operational strategy for scaling facilities, compliance, manufacturing, and support functions to meet growing customer demand. Build and optimize scalable processes for production readiness, delivery execution, and operational reporting. Establish and lead systems for measuring operational performance and creating accountability as the company moves into sustained delivery. Lead cross-functional supply and demand planning across prototype, LRIP, and full-rate production phases. Lead Infrastructure, Security, and Compliance Functions: Lead and grow high-performing teams responsible for facilities operations, export control and security, and EHS compliance. Ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations, including ITAR/EAR and OSHA. Guide long-range planning to position the company for rapid expansion while maintaining compliance and operational excellence. Champion a culture of ownership, speed, rigor, and accountability. Support Customer Growth, Capture, and Program Success: Lead operational planning for all customer delivery commitments. Partner with Business Development and Product teams to produce operational inputs for proposals, pricing models, and delivery timelines. Guide onboarding and operational readiness for new customer programs. What You Have Bachelor’s degree in engineering or social sciences MBA from a leading business school and experience in top-tier management consulting preferred 15+ years of operational leadership, including experience leading managers and cross-functional teams Exceptional executive-level communication and writing skills Strong quantitative modeling and Excel proficiency A track record of decisive leadership, structured problem solving, and building scalable processes Proven success leading transformation within high-stakes, fast-paced environments Strong judgment and risk management capability Highly self-directed, resilient, and adaptable to ambiguity Experience within aerospace, defense, national security, or deep tech A mission-driven, collaborative, and humble leadership approach What Will Set You Apart Demonstrated ability to lead organizations through rapid growth and change A passion for developing exceptional teams and building strong operational cultures 2+ years at a top-tier management consulting firm Experience with aerospace primes or growth-stage A&D companies Location On-site in Houston, TX Benefits Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities. ITAR Requirements This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR here. Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days. For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page. #J-18808-Ljbffr