The Director of Operations is responsible for leading all Assembly, Integration, and Test operations within a high-volume aerospace production environment. This role ensures that complex electromechanical systems are assembled, integrated, and tested safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.

The Director of Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership across cross-functional production teams, driving enterprise-level performance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This role is responsible for scaling production capabilities, leading high-rate manufacturing initiatives, and ensuring consistent delivery of aerospace-grade hardware that meets stringent regulatory and customer requirements.

This leader will play a critical role in achieving aggressive production rate targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality, reliability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for daily production operations to achieve schedule, cost, quality, and safety objectives
• Own end-to-end execution of production systems including build plans, travelers, routers, and integrated master schedules
• Lead high production rate (HPR) readiness and large-scale production ramp initiatives
• Proactively identify, mitigate, and escalate risks impacting delivery, quality, or safety
• Oversee workforce strategy including labor planning, staffing, training, and multi-shift operations
• Ensure full compliance with AS9100, DoD, and customer-specific requirements across all operations
• Direct system-level assembly, integration, functional test, and final acceptance activities
• Establish robust problem-solving frameworks for production and test anomalies, including root cause and corrective action processes
• Partner with Engineering leadership to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and producibility improvements
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and enterprise continuous improvement initiatives
• Drive measurable improvements in yield, cost efficiency, rework reduction, and cycle time optimization
• Own and monitor operational KPIs, ensuring data-driven decision making and accountability
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Test Engineering leadership
• Lead customer engagement efforts including audits, program reviews, and regulatory inspections
• Serve as a senior leader in production readiness reviews (PRRs), gate reviews, and executive-level program reviews
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing operations organization, including managers, supervisors, and technical staff
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement across all levels
• Lead performance management, organizational development, and succession planning initiatives

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field
• 10-15+ years of progressive leadership experience in aerospace manufacturing or production environments
• 7+ years of experience leading managers and large, multi-disciplinary teams
• Deep expertise in:
• Complex assembly and system integration
• Environmental, functional, and acceptance testing
• Aerospace quality management systems (AS9100)
• Lean manufacturing and operational excellence
• Proven track record of leading operations in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with rocket engines, in-space propulsion, or missile propulsion systems
• Experience scaling propulsion production from development/NPI into full-rate manufacturing
• Background in test-heavy environments (hot-fire test stands, cryogenic systems, high-pressure systems)
• Experience leading operations in high-rate or rate-driven aerospace manufacturing environments
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt or equivalent preferred)
• Demonstrated success in new product introduction (NPI), scaling production, and rate transitions

Skills & Competencies

• Executive-level leadership and communication skills
• Strong strategic thinking and operational execution capability
• Data-driven decision-making with financial and operational acumen
• Ability to lead in fast-paced, high-accountability environments
• Deep technical understanding paired with hands-on problem-solving ability
• Proven ability to balance production rate, safety, and quality without compromise
• Strong organizational leadership with a focus on talent development and culture

If your experience aligns with our basic qualifications and you are inspired by our mission, we'd like to connect. If you don't see the right role right now, Join Our Talent Community and stay connected as we continue to build what's next.

The good faith base salary range for this role is$160,000-$210,000at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness and more! No long term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll

• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of 50% up to 8% to support long-term financial security

• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being

• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission driven environment

Colorado pay range

$160,000-$210,000 USD