Director of Operations

Director of Operations

LiquidPiston is reimagining the internal combustion engine. Our patented X-engine architecture is a compact, lightweight, and fuel-efficient rotary engine based on a novel thermodynamic cycle. With applications spanning defense, aerospace, robotics, and commercial power generation, LiquidPiston is building the next generation of portable power solutions.

We're a fast-moving, engineering-led company seeking an operational leader who can scale our core infrastructure and drive cross-functional performance as we transition from R&D to commercialization.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Director of Operations to lead and optimize key operational departments across LiquidPiston. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is responsible for ensuring high performance across machine shop operations, information technology, finance, procurement, and facilities. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities, a collaborative leadership style, and a proven track record in driving organizational efficiency, scalability, and accountability.

This is a mission-critical role for a hands-on leader who thrives in a multidisciplinary, innovation-driven environment and is ready to help shape the operational foundation of a high-growth hardware company.

Key Responsibilities

Departmental Oversight & Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and day-to-day oversight for the machine shop, IT, finance, procurement, and facilities teams.
• Establish and implement departmental goals, KPIs, and best practices to ensure consistent quality, efficiency, and compliance.
• Promote operational excellence through proactive performance management, continuous improvement, and process standardization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a key integrator between technical and non-technical teams, fostering alignment, communication, and streamlined execution.
• Collaborate with department leads to resolve bottlenecks, eliminate silos, and drive initiatives that improve cost, quality, and delivery.
• Lead interdepartmental projects and ensure timely execution of cross-functional initiatives aligned with company goals.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Contribute to company-wide strategic planning processes and translate corporate objectives into executable operational plans.
• Lead annual budgeting and resource planning for each department, ensuring alignment with company priorities and financial discipline.
• Track and analyze KPIs and financial metrics to identify trends, inform decision-making, and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Resource & Budget Management

• Optimize departmental budgets, staffing, and resource allocation to maximize operational ROI.
• Support talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies to build high-performing teams across departments.
• Ensure all operations comply with internal policies, industry standards, and applicable regulations.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify operational risks and implement controls, procedures, and contingency plans to ensure resilience and business continuity.
• Ensure compliance with safety, security, environmental, and ITAR-related regulations where applicable.
• Champion a culture of accountability, safety, and operational integrity throughout the organization.

Qualifications

Required:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role across multiple departments or functional areas.
• Demonstrated success in scaling operations within an engineering, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Strong financial and strategic planning capabilities, including budgeting, forecasting, and KPI-driven decision-making.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive alignment.

Preferred:

• Experience working in defense, aerospace, or dual-use technology companies.
• Familiarity with DoD-funded programs, SBIR/STTR contracts, or cost-reimbursable structures.
• Background in mechanical engineering, industrial systems, or an MBA with operational emphasis.
• Experience with ERP/MRP implementation and operational digital tools.