Job Description

Prometheus 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 Skills

Qualifications:

• 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
• Must be a U.S. Citizen due to the nature of the work
  
  

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:

• Bloomfield, Indiana area
  
  

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

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

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