Job DescriptionPrometheus Energetics LLC is seeking a Director of Operations to lead the start-up, activation, and operational of its new Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) manufacturing facility in the Bloomfield, Indiana area.
Prometheus Energetics is a new U.S.-based joint venture and merchant supplier of solid rocket motors, energetics, and adjacent propulsion products for U.S. and international defense markets. The Director of Operations will play a critical role in transitioning the site from construction completion through equipment installation, process qualification, first article production, and full-rate manufacturing.
This position is responsible for building the operational organization from the ground up, developing production systems and processes, and establishing a high-performance culture centered on safety, quality, schedule, and cost execution. The Director of Operations will lead all manufacturing, production planning, facilities operations, and shop-floor support functions, ensuring the factory is purpose-built for scale, reliability, and mission assurance.
This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer.
Responsibilities:
Plant Start-Up & Operational Stand-Up
- Lead all aspects of factory activation including equipment installation, commissioning, validation, and process qualification
- Develop and execute the operational ramp-up plan from first builds through full-rate production
- Establish manufacturing readiness milestones, KPIs, and production metrics
- Drive knowledge transfer from parent companies and external partners into documented, repeatable manufacturing processes
- Ensure manufacturing processes meet AS9100, DoD, ATF, OSHA, and applicable energetic material handling standards
- Partner with Engineering to transition from development to stable production
Organizational Build-Out & Leadership
- Build the operations organization from initial leadership hires through full production staffing
- Recruit, hire, and develop high-caliber manufacturing leaders, supervisors, planners, and technicians
- Establish training and certification programs for Operations personnel
- Develop cross-training programs to build workforce flexibility and production resilience
- Create a culture of accountability, ownership, and mission focus across all shifts and functions
- Implement clear communication rhythms and performance expectations at all levels
Manufacturing & Production Execution
- Direct all production-related activities including motor case preparation, insulating, lining, propellant processing, casting, cure, assembly, and final integration (as applicable to facility scope)
- Oversee Production Planning & Control, Master Scheduling, and material flow
- Ensure on-time delivery commitments to Prime, U.S. Government, and international customers
- Drive cost control, labor efficiency, and throughput optimization
- Lead daily operations reviews focused on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost
Operational Systems & Continuous Improvement
- Facilitate implementation and/or optimization of ERP systems, manufacturing execution systems, and warehouse management processes
- Develop standard work, visual management systems, and structured production control processes
- Implement Lean manufacturing principles to eliminate waste and improve flow
- Establish factory performance dashboards and metrics reporting to executive leadership and Board stakeholders
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, cycle time, and quality performance
Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Ensure strict adherence to all safety standards related to energetics and explosive materials
- Partner with Safety & Security leadership to maintain full regulatory compliance
- Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality management systems and customer requirements
- Maintain audit readiness for customer, regulatory, and government inspections
- Champion a safety first culture
Executive & Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide regular operational readiness updates to executive leadership, JV partners, and the Board of Directors
- Support customer engagements, production readiness reviews, and government audits
- Contribute to long-range capacity planning and capital investment strategies
Experience and SkillsQualifications:
- 20+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, energetics, propulsion, or highly regulated manufacturing environments
- Demonstrated experience leading plant start-up, greenfield factory activation, or major production ramp programs
- 5+ years of direct leadership experience managing multi-level manufacturing organizations
- Strong knowledge of ERP systems, production planning, and inventory control systems
- Deep understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologies
- Experience operating under AS9100 or similar and government contract compliance environments
- Proven ability to build and scale operational teams in a fast-paced start-up environment
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities
- High integrity leadership style with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field required
- Advanced degree (MBA or technical MS) preferred
- Experience in solid rocket motor manufacturing, energetics production, or propulsion systems highly desired
Work Environment:
- Office, manufacturing, and energetic processing environments
- Ability to stand and walk production floors for extended periods
- Ability to work in hazardous material environments with appropriate PPE
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
Location:
Travel Required:
- Occasional domestic and international travel as required
Job Benefits- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
- Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Savings Plan
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
- Paid Time-Off (PTO)
- Holidays
- Education Reimbursement
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