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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• supports customer visits, audits, testing readiness, and program milestones.
• drives safety culture, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• performs additional responsibilities as assigned by gm/svp.

• 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,…