Director of Operations (Electronics Manufacturing)

Clientmind Recruiting is seeking a proactive, curious Director of Operations with a background in the defense industry to lead and optimize execution for a major DoD program. This high impact role will oversee production, subcontractor performance, supply chain integrity, and regulatory compliance.

This is a full-time position and will operate on a hybrid schedule. The onsite portion of the role will be in Greenbelt, MD and Frederick, MD.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and refine end-to-end operations for the production and delivery of defense-related systems and hardware.
• Oversee subcontractor performance, ensuring on-time, compliant, and cost-effective delivery.
• Ensure adherence to government regulations and standards including FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and NIST 800-171.
• Manage sourcing, inventory, procurement, and shipping schedules to support contract execution.
• Collaborate with engineering, compliance, and program teams to translate requirements into operational plans.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement lean strategies to improve efficiency and cost control.
• Support government contract milestones, risk management, proposal planning, and performance reviews.
• Define and report KPIs across all operational activities for transparency and improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10 years of operational leadership in defense, aerospace, or government contracting.
• Strong knowledge of DoD production lifecycles and compliance standards(FAR, DFARS, ITAR, NIST 800-171).
• Experience managing outsourced manufacturing or subcontractor relationships.
• Exceptional intellectual curiosity and proven self-starter mentality.
• Strong organizational, decision-making, and communication skills.
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting Army, Navy, Air Force, or intelligence community contracts.
• Familiarity with mission-critical defense hardware.
• ERP/MRP system experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Certifications in Lean and Six Sigma