Director, Operations

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! ​

Location: Simsbury, CT
Reports to: VP Operations
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Experience Level: Site Leader / Director (15+ years)

Lead the Site. Build the System. Deliver the Mission.

EBAD is seeking a Director of Operations / Site Leader for our Simsbury, CT facility. This role carries full accountability for site performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people within a complex, highly regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment.

We are looking for a high-impact leader who can deliver operational results today while building the systems, team, and culture required to scale for future growth.

The Opportunity

EBAD is a leader in mission-critical energetic and electronic systems supporting major aerospace, missile, and space platforms. The Simsbury site is a key contributor to these programs and is positioned for continued growth.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead a critical manufacturing site with full ownership and accountability

• Operate in a high-mix, low-volume, engineer-to-order environment

• Establish and scale EBOS as the site’s operating system

• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost

• Build organizational capability to support growth and new program introduction

• Partner cross-functionally to support development, qualification, and production ramp of new products

This is a high-visibility leadership role with both immediate impact and long-term growth potential.

Scope of Responsibility

The Director of Operations has full leadership responsibility for all site-level operations and support functions, including:

• Manufacturing / Production Operations

• Production Support & Test

• Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Supply Chain & Materials Management

• Environmental, Safety & Health (ES&H / EHS)

• Maintenance & Facilities

• Continuous Improvement / EBOS

This role also works closely with Engineering, Program Management, and Business Development to support new product development, qualification, and growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Lead the organization to achieve Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) objectives

• Own execution of production across launch vehicle, missile, and defense programs

• Ensure adherence to program milestones and delivery commitments

• Drive on-time delivery (OTD), past due reduction, and revenue execution

Safety & Compliance

• Establish and maintain a zero-incident safety culture

• Ensure compliance with aerospace, defense, and regulatory standards

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and deploy EBOS as the site operating system

• Implement disciplined daily management, KPIs, and leader standard work

• Lead structured problem solving (RCCA) and continuous improvement initiatives

• Build scalable processes to support growth and operational excellence

People & Organizational Development

• Build and lead a high-performing, accountable organization

• Develop leadership capability, succession depth, and team engagement

• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement

Cross-Functional Integration

• Partner with Engineering and Program Management on development and production readiness

• Support Business Development in proposal reviews and new opportunity evaluation

• Align operations with customer requirements and business objectives

Financial & Strategic Management

• Manage departmental budgets and cost performance

• Lead cap