Director of Operations

Job Description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Operations is responsible for the tactical execution of production, quality, delivery, and workforce development, aligning daily operations with the strategic direction set by the GM/SVP. This role leads Assembly & Test, Manufacturing Engineering coordination, Supply Chain interface, Quality partnership, and cross-functional execution to ensure engines and components are delivered safely, compliantly, on time, and to specification.

The Director will drive operational discipline, strengthen processes, eliminate barriers to flow, and build a high-performance culture rooted in accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. This role requires deep experience in operational excellence, Lean deployment, standard work, and leadership development ensuring structure, stability, and predictable performance across the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Operational Leadership & Daily Execution

• Leads all day-to-day production operations including Assembly, Test, Sub-Assembly, manufacturing coordination, and operational readiness.
• Ensures adherence to safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people KPIs; drives Tier meeting cadence with real-time escalation paths.
• Maintains production flow by removing roadblocks, coordinating resources, and ensuring alignment across Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Serves as the tactical execution arm of the GM/SVP for Operations.
  
  

Quality, Compliance & Delivery Assurance

• Ensures engine builds, tests, and documentation comply with AS9100, internal QMS requirements, and customer specifications.
• Partners with Quality to resolve issues, drive RCCA, and improve first-time-through results.
• Ensures proper use of travelers, build documentation, configuration control, and process confirmations.
  
  

Workflow, Systems, and Operating Structure

• Implements and enforces standardized work, process confirmation, material flow, and assembly/test procedures.
• Drives operating system maturity including planning, scheduling, daily management, visual controls, problem-solving governance, and continuous improvement.
• Identifies constraints and implements systemic improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve stability.
  
  

Leadership, Talent, & Team Development

• Leads, mentors, and develops Assembly & Test Technicians, operational support staff, and cross-functional contributors.
• Builds a culture of accountability, clarity, communication, and disciplined execution.
• Ensures goal alignment, feedback loops, and role clarity across the operations organization.
  
  

Program Integration & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Works closely with Program Managers to align engine builds, schedule commitments, resource plans, and risk mitigation.
• Partners with Engineering to ensure readiness, build/test requirements, technical changes, and configuration adherence.
• Supports Supply Chain in material availability, shortages, supplier issues, and readiness for upcoming builds.
  
  

Continuous Improvement & Root Cause Leadership

• Leads and supports problem-solving using PDCA, A3, DMAIC, 8D, and real-time problem-solving, aligned with Kratos/TDI expectations.
• Conducts Gemba walks, process confirmation, and coaching to strengthen operational discipline.
• Champions waste elimination, yield improvement, process flow, and tactical Lean deployment.
  
  

Reporting, Metrics & Governance

• Reports operational status, risks, and recovery plans to GM/SVP and senior leadership.
• Owns or co-owns OTD, throughput, quality performance, rework, scrap, labor effectiveness, and operational readiness metrics.
• Ensures structure and discipline across all operational reviews.
  
  

Other Duties

• Supports customer visits, audits, testing readiness, and program milestones.
• Drives safety culture, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned by GM/SVP.
  
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Direct leadership over Assembly & Test teams, Sub-Assembly, and key operational support roles.
• Influences performance through cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.
• Achieves operational outcomes through structured leadership behaviors, standard work, and escalation governance.
  
  

Experience And Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, quality systems, supply chain flow, and production planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, standardized work, visual management, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead teams in dynamic, high-mix, low-volume aerospace or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership presence.
• Ability to manage sensitive and export-controlled information (ITAR).
• Strong cross-functional coordination and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to prioritize, adapt quickly, and manage competing demands.
  
  

Preferred:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion systems, or ISO/AS9100-regulated industries.
• Deep knowledge of engine assembly and test, precision components, or similar technical systems.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD compliance, customer audits, and defense-industry requirements.
• Experience leading OpEx/Lean Six Sigma deployment at the plant or enterprise level.
  
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related technical discipline.
• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, engineering operations, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success driving operational throughput, quality, and team performance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (requires U.S. Citizenship).
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office or manufacturing and field environment
• May work extended hours or weekends occasionally to complete tasks and meet schedule
• Ability to occasionally travel domestically/internationally
• May work in manufacturing and/or field environments with potential exposure to uncontrolled climate conditions and potential exposure to noise, dust and hazardous chemicals
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (computer work, phones)
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with TDI General Safety Training guidelines.
  
  

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 0-25% May be required between other Kratos locations
  
  

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

EEO/M/F/D/V

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement
  
  

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

EEO Is The Law

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