Director of Operations

Job Overview

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe that our strengths are built on our most important resource - our people. Join EBAD and you'll be a part of a team who creates cutting edge technology that will blast us into the future. No other company can match the innovative energetic solutions that we provide. At EBAD you will actively contribute to successful missions putting men, women and satellites into space, and protecting our armed service men and women around the world.

If this is the culture and work environment you are seeking, then EBAD is the place for you!

Location:

Graham, KY.

Reports to:

VP of Operations.

• 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

• 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

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.

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.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.