Director of Operations - 3D Printing/Aerospace Manufacturing

Job : Director of Operations (3D Printing / Aerospace Manufacturing) - Full-time

Location : Montgomery County, PA (just outside of Philadelphia, PA)

Work for one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace companies, evolving from its pioneering use of 3D printing technologies for high-performance applications and radio frequency (RF) products to building entire telecommunication satellites, the HummingSat, defining a new category in space.

Our client was founded in 2011 as a spin off from the EPFL in Lausanne, is privately owned and backed by prominent European Investors.

The company is headquartered in Switzerland and operates two subsidiaries in the US, with a growing team of over 120 people.

The company is well funded, has rapidly growing customer revenue streams, and a substantial future contract backlog. We are now pursuing the US market for its advanced RF products and systems through its wholly owned subsidiary.

As part of its expansion into the US market, our client is seeking a Director of Operations. Initially, this role focuses on leading the implementation of a manufacturing capability within the the RF Solutions facility, with subsequent responsibilities including leading the Operations function.

The position is based in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region reporting to the Managing Director of of RF Solutions.

Occasional travel to the Swiss headquarters in Lausanne is required for training and coordination. As this position will oversee a manufacturing facility, physical presence onsite will be required.

As Director of Operations, you'll lead the Operations team, collaborate with colleagues across various functions, and ensure the smooth functioning of manufacturing operations.

Key responsibilities will include : Managing the construction phase of the manufacturing facility (first phase of 8-10 months) :

• Manage the planning, budgeting, scheduling, and implementation of the manufacturing facility in coordination with the Swiss Operations team
• Verify regulatory compliance across the facility in partnership with the external contractors and suppliers
• Review and manage project documentation and timelines for the continuous buildup of the facility
• Manage subcontracted projects for facility implementation Production Management (post construction phase) :
• Recruit and onboard the Operations team which will consist of around 10-15 employees
• Lead production activities, including budgeting, resource planning and scheduling
• Supervise daily execution and ensure quality standards are met
• Maintain safe operations and compliance with government and company standards
• Manage production capacity and equipment maintenance
• Maintain utility systems and coordinate regulatory compliance
• Manage inventory and supplies
• Respond to building-related issues and emergencies
• Review and negotiate maintenance contracts
• Develop emergency response plans Health and Safety Management :
• Ensure compliance with EHS regulations
• Implement EHS programs and safe work practices
• Audit and report on performance
• Conduct risk assessments and investigations
• Facilitate EHS training
• Stay updated on EHS regulations and advise management on compliance

Must have experience and competencies :

Experience leading an Operations organization in the US SATCOM and / or US DoD field, with a focus on RF antenna products and subsystems.

Preferably with a minimum of 5 years’ experience.

• Proven strong team leadership skills including talent acquisition and retention, team building, mentoring and performance management
• Excellent business acumen skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordination to meet established milestones and financial objectives
• Proven ability to resolve complex technical problems and management of complex technical activities.
• Autonomous, proactive and inclusive working style
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills including the ability to work in a team with different professional and cultural backgrounds, as well as spread across different regions
• Ability to think outside of the box and thrive in an often-ambiguous fast-growing business
• Bachelor’s degree in technical or business management discipline.
• Ability to hold a US DoD Security Clearance
• Experience leading the implementation and maintenance of a quality management system based on ISO 9001 or requirements for which we are looking for an ISO certification

Preferred experience and competencies :

• Experience collaborating with European based teams
• Knowledge of preventive and curative quality tools (8D, Ishikawa, FMEA, risk analysis,)
• Experience with EN / AS 9100 requirements
11 days ago