Director of Operations

Estes Energetics, along with its subsidiary Goex Industries, is an American manufacturer of black powder, chemicals, and rocket motors. Our agile and experienced team is proud to make products that support the Department of Defense, strengthen domestic production, preserve history, serve hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts, and ignite a passion for rocketry in our youth. Whether we’re performing research into energetic materials and products, or standing up American-made production, count on us to find a solution. 

Summary

Goex Industries is seeking a Director of Operations to lead day-to-day manufacturing and maintenance operations at the only black powder plant in the country. This is a unique opportunity to lead an operation with a 222-year history of domestic manufacturing critical to defense, education, and recreation. The ideal candidate has strong experience with manufacturing operations, hazardous materials, maintenance, and production planning.

Essential Functions

• Oversee manufacturing and maintenance operations to ensure safe, efficient, and quality operation.
• Plan, do, check, and act on process improvements.
• Maintain and execute a technical training program, including cross-training, to ensure robust staffing.
• Develop supervisors as leaders and managers.
• Lead and/or coordinate facilities projects.
• Maintain, improve, and report on plant operations and metrics.
• Develop, maintain, review, and enforce standard operating procedures.
• Manage facilities and manufacturing projects, including writing reports and giving presentations to customers.
• Set operational and project budgets in collaboration with finance personnel and manage to budgets.

Competencies, Experience, and Education

Required

• Five years of manufacturing operations leadership experience
• Two years of experience developing manufacturing plans and schedules
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good mechanical aptitude
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software

Desired

• Experience with explosives
• Experience with other hazardous materials (highly desired)
• Engineering degree in mechanical, chemical, industrial, or related engineering field
• Supervisory Responsibility
• This is a second-level leadership position with management of manufacturing and maintenance supervisors.

Work Environment

• The work will primarily be in an office and manufacturing environment, including outdoors.
• Physical Demands
• Sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer
• Use of mouse/computer keyboard
• May have to lift up to 50 pounds
• Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment
• Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location

Travel

Infrequent travel outside of the local area.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. The plant operates 5 days per week with maintenance and operations alternating 4x10 schedules (Monday-Thursday and Tuesday-Friday). This role requires flexibility to manage across schedules Employees are expected to work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Occasional overtime may be required during busy periods.

Benefits and Compensation

• Estes Energetics maintains a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 8 paid holidays
• Life and disability insurance – 100% paid by company
• 401(k) retir