Director of Operations (Aerospace)

Job Description

Job Description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

In this role, you will lead and coordinate manufacturing operations across the El Monte and Corona sites, driving performance, productivity, efficiency, and profitability. You will guide machining, fabrication, and downstream processing teams, build high‑performing operations talent, strengthen cross‑functional collaboration, and implement best‑practice systems that support strategic business goals.

Responsibilities

• Leads, coordinates, and monitors operations managers and functional departments, establishing accountability and performance expectations.
• Improves processes and policies to meet organizational goals and ensures adherence to safety, quality, delivery, and cost standards.
• Oversees machining, fabrication, forming, finishing, and assembly operations, monitoring throughput, schedule attainment, and labor productivity.
• Ensures equipment readiness, maintenance execution, and alignment of capacity with operational needs.
• Supports workforce planning, recruiting, organizational structuring, and leadership development.
• Drives cross‑functional communication across operations, engineering, quality, supply chain, and program management.
• Oversees subcontracted and temporary labor services.
• Develops operational plans aligned with company strategy and reviews financial and production data to ensure budget compliance.
• Manages inventory, cost performance, operational spending, and supports long‑range capacity and investment planning with executive leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, manufacturing, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and at least ten years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience.
• Ten or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in complex production environments.
• Operational leadership experience in precision manufacturing, preferably supporting aerospace or defense production.
• Experience with CNC machining operations including tight‑tolerance metallic components, multi‑axis milling, large gantry equipment, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience managing multi‑step manufacturing routings and complex production flows.
• Knowledge of downstream processes including deburring, finishing, forming, welding coordination, heat treat, and assembly operations.
• Experience implementing and sustaining lean manufacturing and continuous‑improvement initiatives including 5S, cycle‑time reduction, setup reduction, preventative maintenance, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and Kaizen.
• Ability to use operational metrics such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), spindle utilization, and labor efficiency.
• Hands‑on leadership style with strong mechanical intuition and a focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Experience building and leading high‑performance manufacturing teams and driving change initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MS), or another advanced degree.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD &D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.