Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Twenty-Six Defense provides high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services for defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. The Senior Director, Operations will lead the design, construction, commissioning, and scaled production of a new manufacturing facility while managing a capital budget exceeding $150 million and an eventual workforce of more than 200 personnel. The role oversees operational strategy, manufacturing readiness, production performance, safety and compliance, workforce development, and continuous improvement for UAV and munitions-related programs.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the senior operations interface to Business Units, Programs, Development Engineering, and state/local community leaders, ensuring aligned priorities and transparent communication
- Provide strategic operational leadership for major segments of the organization, shaping long‑term plans, resource strategies, and cross‑functional execution
- Direct Operations’ contributions to assigned programs, including cost, schedule, quality, and performance commitments; ensure plans align with company and functional strategy
- Oversee creation, approval, and execution of Operations program plans, capacity assessments, and production strategies. Key participant in make/buy decisions
- Lead and ensure full integration and execution of New Product Introduction (NPI) requirements within proposals, BOEs, IMS planning, engineering development, and manufacturing readiness. Support the development of and provide manufacturing insight for subcontracting strategies in collaboration with the Supply Chain leader
- Manage Production Control account execution across Operations, and related functions to ensure budget, schedule, and performance objectives
- Oversee the transition of mature products (MRL 6+) into new or expanded production facilities, ensuring readiness, rate capability, and compliance
- Provide executive‑level leadership in facility strategy (site selection, architectural design influence, environmental/permit coordination, factory layout, security systems, and CapEx management)
- Drive day‑to‑day operational performance across multiple manufacturing lines, ensuring throughput, on‑time delivery, and effective labor and facility utilization
- Ensure full compliance with OSHA PSM, ATF FFL/FEL, EHS regulations, and company standards; lead incident investigations, audits, and corrective‑action programs
- Own plant safety culture, enforcing SOPs for hazardous materials (propellants, explosives) and maintaining robust emergency preparedness, crisis management, and business continuity programs
- Lead workforce strategy, including hiring, training, certification, and development of high‑performance teams aligned to organizational priorities
- Direct continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma to optimize productivity, reduce waste, improve cost competitiveness, and enhance manufacturing maturity
- Build and maintain executive‑level relationships with customers, regulators, defense partners, and internal leaders, negotiating issues and ensuring customer satisfaction
- Benchmark industry best practices and justify future investments (CapEx, technologies, infrastructure) to enable sustained competitiveness and long‑term business growth
Skills
- This position requires experience leading the operation of a complex, multi-product manufacturing line inclusive of energetics integration
- Expertise in munitions handling is required
- Bachelor - Required; Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- Functional (Using Skill Set) 10+ years
- Management 10+ years
- Defense Industry 10+ years
- Experience: 10+ years in heavy manufacturing, chemicals, or defense, with at least 5 years managing an active munitions or energetic materials plant
- Build Experience: Proven track record of managing a greenfield or major brownfield factory construction project from groundbreaking to startup
- Knowledge: Expertise in military standards (Mil-Spec), explosives safety, and hazardous waste disposal
- Clearance: Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Department of War Secret security clearance
- Demonstrated experience managing programs through the product life cycle (pursuit through support and closure)
- Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams with competing priorities (Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, etc.)
- Capable of creating and maintaining constructive customer relationships
- Ability to manage disciplined internal processes by knowledge of industry standard tools and holding others accountable for the following:
- Earned Value Management
- Phased gate approval process
- Program Planning
- Risk & Opportunity Management
- Requirements Management
- MRP/ERP
- Working knowledge and understanding of financial data such as P&L statements, ROI analysis, and cash flow
- Knowledge of relevant type of contracts, e.g. fixed price, cost plus, time and materials, performance-based logistics, contract logistics support, master repair agreement
- Exposure and working knowledge in negotiation, collaborative problem solving, conflict management, meeting facilitation skills, and applying tact and diplomacy with internal/external customers and foreign personnel
- Ability to effectively work with all management levels in the company
- Experience in Aerospace & Defense manufacturing and working with USG and International Customers
- Working knowledge of Import/Export requirements and compliance
- Experience with UAV and missile assembly, integration (including the warhead), and test
- Master - Preferred (10+ years of production management experience may substitute)
- Strong experience in UAVs and air-to-surface missiles
- Moderate understanding of industry trends and our customers and competitors' strategies, strengths and weaknesses
- Working knowledge of the defense acquisition process and an understanding of Defense Acquisition Regulations (DFARS)
- Demonstrated experience working in manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, quality or program management
Benefits
- Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
- 401(k) program to plan for your future
- Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
- Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
- Flexible Vacation & PTO
- Paid Parental Leave
- Generous Employee Referral Program
- Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
- Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees
- This role will begin as a remote position during early planning stages. Following the build-out and initial operational setup, the position will transition to full on-site work, with relocation required.
Company Overview