Senior Director, Operations

Company Description

SEAKR Engineering is seeking a Senior Director of Operations to lead and optimize both in-house manufacturing and contract manufacturing partnerships in support of our advanced aerospace programs. This role will report directly to the General Manager, manufacturing, production testing, facilities, EH&S, security and information systems to ensure operational excellence, efficiency, and scalability. The Senior Director will play a pivotal role in SEAKR’s ability to meet customer demands, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge in the aerospace industry.

Job Description

Strategic Leadership & Operational Execution

• Develop and execute the operations strategy for SEAKR, ensuring seamless integration of in-house production and external contract manufacturing to meet company objectives.
• Oversee end-to-end manufacturing operations, including engineering, assembly, testing, and logistics, ensuring high-quality production at scale.
• Serve as a key advisor to the General Manager, providing operational insights, risk assessments, and solutions to enhance overall business performance.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration between engineering, production, and supply chain teams to drive efficiency, scalability, and innovation.
• Drive lean manufacturing principles and process optimization initiatives across all operations, ensuring best-in-class execution.

Contract Manufacturing & Supplier Management

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with contract manufacturers, ensuring alignment with SEAKR’s quality, delivery, and technical requirements.
• Establish clear performance metrics and governance structures to maximize contract manufacturer efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Work closely with supply chain teams to ensure that procurement, subcontracting, and inventory control support both in-house and outsourced production.
• Optimize make-versus-buy decisions, balancing internal capabilities with external partnerships to enhance flexibility and scalability.

Manufacturing & Production Oversight

• Lead SEAKR’s high-mix, low-volume manufacturing operations, ensuring the production of highly complex, custom aerospace electronic payloads.
• Oversee production test operations, ensuring 24/7 environmental and functional testing meets aerospace-grade reliability standards.
• Drive process automation and advanced manufacturing technologies to increase efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Ensure seamless coordination between engineering and production teams, accelerating time-to-market for cutting-edge aerospace products.

People & Organizational Development

• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing operations leadership team, ensuring SEAKR has the right talent to support both internal and external manufacturing initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, driving operational excellence at all levels.
• Partner with Human Resources to align the workforce with business objectives, ensuring the hiring, retention, and development of top-tier talent.

Customer & Business Engagement

• Act as a key operational interface with aerospace prime customers, ensuring SEAKR meets and exceeds customer expectations for quality, delivery, and technical performance.
• Lead customer experience strategy, ensuring exceptional service, responsiveness, and program execution.
• Identify and drive business growth opportunities, leveraging both in-house and contract manufacturing capabilities to enhance SEAKR’s position.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure adherence to all aerospace industry regulations, quality management standards, and company policies.
• Partner with Environmental, Health, and Safety leaders to maintain a proactive safety culture and regulatory compliance across all operational functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 12 years of senior leadership experience in operations, contract manufacturing, and in-house production within the aerospace, high-tech, or defense industry.
• Deep expertise in contract manufacturing, supplier management, and make-versus-buy strategies.
• Proven ability to optimize complex, high-mix, low-volume manufacturing operations.
• Strong ability to lead large, cross-functional teams, optimize production workflows, and drive scalable solutions.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, process automation, and operational efficiencies.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with experience in executive-level strategy and execution.

Additional Information

Compensation: Base pay range is $220,000 - $270,000 per year depending on qualifications. SEAKR has very rich medical, dental and vision insurance plans, along with a generous 401(k) retirement plan. In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for a year-end bonus. SEAKR offers a variety of paid leave, such as vacation, sick, bereavement, and FMLA. There is potential for a remote hybrid work schedule once training is complete.

SEAKR is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

US Citizenship Required