Director of Operations

About the role

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe that our strengths are built on our most important resource - our people. Join EBAD and you'll be a part of a team who creates cutting edge technology that will blast us into the future. No other company can match the innovative energetic solutions that we provide. At EBAD you will actively contribute to successful missions putting men, women and satellites into space, and protecting our armed service men and women around the world. If this is the culture and work environment you are seeking, then EBAD is the place for you!

About the role

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.