Director of Operations

Responsible for the daily operations of the company, including thin film production, camera and optics production, supply chain management, warehousing, facilities operations and quality, as they pertain to daily operation of the company. Develop and manage a plan to increase production capacities, and onboard new products as they become available from Engineering and oversee hiring to meet goals. Responsibilities Operational Leadership Provide strategic and tactical leadership across manufacturing, production, supply chain, and logistics functions Drive operational performance to meet or exceed safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) objectives Lead daily operations with a focus on throughput, yield improvement, and on-time delivery Strategic Planning & Execution Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with corporate goals and growth initiatives Translate business objectives into actionable operational plans and measurable outcomes Support capacity planning, capital investments, and facility expansion as needed Continuous Improvement Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives across all operational areas Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize costs Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational dashboards Financial & Business Management Develop and manage operating budgets, forecasts, and cost controls Drive margin improvement through productivity gains, cost reduction, and process optimization Partner with Finance to analyze performance and support strategic decision‑making Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including ITAR, EAR, and other U.S. government contracting requirements Maintain adherence to industry standards such as ISO and applicable military specifications Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and ethical business practices Leadership & Talent Development Build, lead, and develop high‑performing teams across multiple operational disciplines Establish succession planning, workforce development, and leadership training programs Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement Cross‑Functional Collaboration Partner with Engineering on new product introduction (NPI), process development, and design for manufacturability (DFM) Collaborate with Sales and Program Management to ensure customer requirements and delivery commitments are achieved Work closely with Quality to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory standards Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred Minimum 10–15 years of progressive operations leadership experience, including senior‑level management Experience in optics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or similar high‑tech environments strongly preferred Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or government contracts required Technical & Regulatory Expertise Strong knowledge of ITAR/EAR compliance, government contracting requirements, and export controls Familiarity with ISO standards, MIL specifications, and regulated manufacturing environments Experience with ERP/MRP systems and data‑driven decision‑making Leadership Competencies Proven ability to lead large, cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and decision‑making capabilities Excellent communication and executive presence #J-18808-Ljbffr