Head of Production Operations

We are seeking a seasoned and forward-thinking Head of Production Operations to lead the creation, scaling, and management of our aerospace manufacturing operations—encompassing aircraft and missile systems built to Department of Defense (DoD) standards. You will be responsible for standing up and optimizing end-to-end production capabilities that ensure high-rate, high-reliability, and cost-effective manufacturing.

This position plays a critical role in translating advanced designs into scalable, manufacturable products by working closely with engineering, quality, supply chain, and executive leadership. You will own everything from production site selection and layout design to organizational staffing and shop floor execution.

• Production Strategy & Leadership - Develop and execute the company’s production operations strategy aligned with current and future aircraft and missile programs. Lead site selection, layout planning, and facility build-out for new manufacturing locations and production lines. Build and lead a high-performing team of manufacturing engineers, process engineers, and production operations personnel. Collaborate with engineering, supply chain and finance partners to develop and implement a master schedule with extreme ownership of meeting deadlines and milestones,

• Manufacturing Execution & Operational Readiness - Design and implement robust, scalable, and repeatable manufacturing processes that ensure compliance with DoD production standards, including MIL-specs and contractual requirements. Own day-to-day production execution, shop floor performance, throughput, and cost efficiency metrics. Establish production KPIs and operating systems that ensure schedule adherence, inventory control, and continuous improvement.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Engineering Collaboration - Partner closely with Advanced Development and Product Engineering teams to ensure manufacturability is embedded in the design phase. Influence product architecture, component selection, and integration strategy to optimize cost, assembly time, safety, and reliability. Lead manufacturability feedback loops that drive engineering changes for yield and performance improvements.

• Cross-Functional Integration - Collaborate closely with the Head of Quality and Build Reliability to ensure that all products meet or exceed internal quality standards and customer expectations. Work with the Supply Chain team to ensure materials, tools, and components are available and align with production timelines. Support program management and executive leadership with production planning, readiness reviews, and strategic decision-making.

• Team Building & Leadership - Build a cohesive, mission-driven production team capable of supporting both low-rate and full-rate manufacturing environments. Provide mentorship and leadership to engineers and operations staff with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, ownership, and safety.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (Master’s preferred). 
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense production operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. 
• Proven track record of standing up and scaling aerospace manufacturing lines, including site planning and process deployment. 
• Deep understanding of DoD production requirements, quality standards (e.g., AS9100), and government compliance. 
• Demonstrated experience in process design, lean manufacturing, and design for manufacturability. 
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. 

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and manage ambiguity with focus and discipline.
• Hands-on leadership style with a passion for building capability and solving complex problems at scale.
• Familiarity with digital design and manufacturing tools (PLM/CAD/CAM), MES/ERP systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders, defense contractors, and program offices.