Job Description

Location: Graham, KY
Reports to: VP of Operations

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD), we bring nearly 200 years of innovation to the development of mission-critical energetic systems supporting defense and space programs. Our work operates in high-consequence environments where safety, precision, and discipline are non-negotiable.

We are seeking a Director of Operations to lead a growing energetics manufacturing site and scale operations without compromising safety, compliance, or execution. This role serves as the operational leader for a 150-person, high-risk manufacturing site, with full ownership of performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Beyond execution, this leader will play a key role in shaping the next generation of operations, talent, and manufacturing capability at EBAD - building the systems, culture, and leadership pipeline required to support long-term growth in a mission-critical environment.

What You'll Own

• Full-site leadership in a high-mix, low-volume, high-consequence manufacturing environment
• Ownership of site performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost
• Ensure strict adherence to explosive safety, process controls, and regulatory standards
• Operate within a PSM-regulated environment with full compliance to federal, DoD, and explosive safety requirements
• Build and develop teams with a safety-first, accountability-driven culture
• Drive performance through EBAD's operating system (EBOS) and lean execution discipline
• Lead production ramp, capacity expansion, and operational readiness aligned to customer demand

What We're Looking For

Required Experience

• 15+ years of operations leadership in high-hazard manufacturing environments
• Direct experience in energetics or explosives manufacturing (e.g., propellants, detonators, high explosives such as RDX or similar)
• Background in aerospace & defense or similarly regulated industries
• Experience supporting DoD programs and contracts
• Ability to obtain DoD Security Clearance

Technical & Regulatory Depth

• Working knowledge of energetic materials (RDX, HMX, propellants, detonators)
• Strong understanding of explosive safety, hazard analysis, and risk mitigation
• Experience with ITAR, ATF, and DoD regulatory environments

Leadership

• Proven ability to lead teams in high-consequence environments where safety is critical
• Track record of driving continuous improvement without compromising safety or quality
• Experience building teams, developing leaders, and scaling operations through growth

Why This Role

• Lead a critical, high-consequence manufacturing operation
• Shape and scale a site during a period of significant growth and transformation
• Build the next generation of operational capability and leadership within EBAD
• Join a long-standing, mission-driven defense company with a legacy of innovation

Compensation and Rewards

We recognize that world-class leaders deliver world-class impact, and we reward accordingly. This role offers a competitive executive package that includes:

Base Salary: $175k - $225k plus annual bonus

Executive Relocation: Comprehensive support for a seamless transition

Additional Enhancements: Potential sign-on incentives and tailored rewards based on experience

We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with skills & experience, with flexibility to reward top talent and extraordinary qualifications.