Test Facility Director

Overview

Barber‑Nichols (BN) is a leading provider of custom turbo machinery for the Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics, and Energy industries. We partner with top‑tier customers to revolutionize markets and build strong relationships.

The Director, Test Facility provides executive operational leadership for a cryogenic and propellant test facility supporting flow testing, qualification, and development of products for space, energy, and defense applications. This role is responsible for operational excellence, safety leadership, team development, and process discipline across all aspects of test execution, ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable operation of liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, liquid nitrogen, and methane systems.

Facility Operations & Execution

• Provide overall operational leadership for day‑to‑day activities of the test facility.
• Ensure safe, reliable, and repeatable execution of cryogenic flow testing and propulsion‑related test programs.
• Oversee test planning, scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation to meet program commitments.
• Maintain readiness and operational integrity of cryogenic storage, transfer, conditioning, and control systems.
• Ensure reliability of test stands, instrumentation, controls, data acquisition systems, and support utilities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance test throughput, system reliability, and data quality.

Cryogenic & Propellant Systems Expertise

• Provide technical oversight of LOX, LH2, LN2, and LCH4 systems including storage, transfer, pressurization, conditioning, and safety controls.
• Ensure proper hazard analysis and risk mitigation for cryogenic and high‑energy propellant operations.
• Guide facility upgrades, modifications, and infrastructure investments to improve performance and safety.
• Support complex troubleshooting of fluid, thermal, and propulsion test systems.
• Ensure compliance with applicable NASA, NFPA, ISO, AS9100, and other industry standards governing cryogenic and propulsion testing.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Serve as the accountable authority for facility safety performance.
• Establish and reinforce a strong safety culture appropriate for hazardous cryogenic and propellant operations.
• Lead development and enforcement of operating procedures, lockout/tagout protocols, emergency response plans, and hazard controls.
• Conduct and oversee hazard analyses, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Ensure full compliance with environmental, safety, export control, and customer regulatory requirements.

Process Definition & Operational Discipline

• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized operating procedures and test processes.
• Ensure configuration control, documentation rigor, and disciplined data management practices.
• Drive adherence to defined processes while fostering continuous improvement.
• Support audits, technical reviews, and customer assessments related to test operations.
• Establish operational KPIs focused on safety, quality, schedule performance, and facility utilization.

Leadership, Team Building & Workforce Development

• Build and lead a high‑performing multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and operations personnel.
• Establish clear roles, expectations, and accountability throughout the organization.
• Recruit, develop, and retain talent with specialized cryogenic and propulsion test expertise.
• Implement structured training programs for cryogenic operations, hazardous systems handling, and test execution.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, ownership, collaboration, and safety‑first decision making.
• Provide mentorship and succession planning to ensure long‑term operational continuity.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise test facility personnel including hiring, training, performance management, and team development.
• Provide leadership across cross‑functional interfaces including engineering, quality, safety, and program management.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline (Master’s degree preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, propulsion, or cryogenic test facility operations.
• Demonstrated…