About the job

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.Click here to learn more.

Job Description

Location: Graham, KY Reports to: VP of Operations

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD), we bring nearly 200 years of innovation to the development of mission-critical energetic systems supporting defense and space programs. Our work operates in high-consequence environments where safety, precision, and discipline are non-negotiable.

We are seeking a Director of Operations to lead a growing energetics manufacturing site and scale operations without compromising safety, compliance, or execution. This role serves as the operational leader for a 150-person, high-risk manufacturing site, with full ownership of performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Beyond execution, this leader will play a key role in shaping the next generation of operations, talent, and manufacturing capability at EBAD - building the systems, culture, and leadership pipeline required to support long-term growth in a mission-critical environment.

What You’ll Own

• 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

What We’re Looking For

Required Experience

• 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

Why This Role

• 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

Compensation and Rewards

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.