Defense Manufacturing Operations Manager

Our client Moodro is a rapidly growing defense technology company developing autonomous counter-UAS solutions designed to operate in real combat conditions and to secure civilians from the increased threat of drones. We work on the hardest challenges to stay ahead of the evolving threats. We are committed to our mission and value candidates who work with the same sense of urgency and diligence.

Our technologies are actively deployed and utilized in operational environments, delivering critical electronic warfare (EW), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and counter-drone capabilities. Moodro has successfully validated our suite of technologies for use in real-world missions. Participation in multiple DIU Projects and competitive selection for the JIATF-401 Pathfinder C-UAS Marketplace secures Moodro’s global market position.

Our team includes veterans, engineers, and defense professionals who continuously test, refine, and improve solutions in real field conditions. Moodro is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to build and lead the company’s U.S. operations function. This individual will be responsible for ensuring products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the quality standards required for defense customers.

Reporting directly to executive leadership, the Operations Manager will serve as the operational owner of production execution, supply chain performance, manufacturing readiness, and delivery commitments. They will partner closely with Project Management, Engineering, and Procurement to provide transparent, data-driven visibility into schedules, risks, capacity, and resource requirements.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who enjoys building from the ground up. Initially, the Operations Manager will work directly with contract manufacturers while establishing the processes, systems, supplier network, and operational infrastructure needed to scale. Over time, they will build and lead a multidisciplinary operations organization supporting manufacturing, planning, procurement, quality, customer support, and project management.

• Own operational execution for all U.S. production and delivery activities.
• Ensure customer commitments are met through effective planning, execution, and risk management.
• Provide leadership with accurate, real‑time visibility into production status, schedules, constraints, and mitigation plans.
• Develop operational metrics and reporting systems that drive accountability and informed decision‑making.

• Build scalable manufacturing processes and operational infrastructure to support company growth.
• Lead production planning, capacity planning, labor forecasting, and operational readiness activities.
• Drive the maturation of manufacturing processes from startup through full‑scale production.
• Translate business forecasts into workforce, facility, inventory, and procurement requirements.

• Manage relationships with contract manufacturers during the company's initial production phase.
• Oversee supplier selection, qualification, performance, and risk management.
• Lead inventory planning, procurement coordination, and supply chain execution.
• Resolve supplier, quality, and production issues before they impact customer deliveries.

• Conduct make‑vs‑buy analyses to determine the optimal manufacturing strategy.
• Evaluate outsourcing versus in‑house production opportunities based on cost, quality, scalability, and operational risk.
• Develop business cases and operational models that support long‑term growth objectives.

• Ensure operational processes support defense industry requirements, including ITAR, NDAA sourcing requirements, traceability, supplier controls, and NIST 800‑171 compliance considerations.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to establish compliant and scalable operational systems.

• Build and lead the U.S. operations organization as production volumes increase.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor operational leaders and individual contributors.
• Foster a culture of transparency,…