Director Of Manufacturing Operations

Director of Manufacturing – Additive Composite Production for Aerospace and Defense

Broomfield, CO | On‑site

A venture‑backed, early‑stage technology company is creating a breakthrough manufacturing platform that enables rapid, cost‑efficient production of high‑performance composite hardware for aerospace and defense applications. As programs expand and commercial engagement continues to grow, the organization is establishing a world‑class manufacturing function to support scaled production of complex, aerospace‑grade parts built through advanced additive processes. The Director of Manufacturing will set the operational vision for the factory, ensuring reliable production while maturing novel materials, automation, and digital manufacturing systems.

You will partner closely with the founding team and technical leadership to take innovative technology from prototype into repeatable, high‑reliability production. This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys building modern manufacturing environments, thrives in fast‑moving organizations, and wants real ownership in shaping the future of aerospace manufacturing.

We are an early‑stage advanced manufacturing company focused on delivering high‑performance composite hardware using next‑generation materials, automation, and digitally integrated factory systems. Our team blends backgrounds in additive manufacturing, materials engineering, and production operations to remove long‑standing bottlenecks in the aerospace and defense supply chain. With growing customer traction and new programs launching, we are expanding our manufacturing leadership to support the next phase of scale.

• Oversee daily factory operations including production workflows, materials movement, post‑processing, inspection, and facilities
• Develop scalable manufacturing systems covering materials preparation, additive processing, curing, machining, testing, and quality verification
• Lead deployment of capital equipment, tooling, and automation to support increased output and evolving product requirements
• Convert R&D concepts into stable, repeatable production processes in partnership with engineering teams
• Build and mentor multidisciplinary factory and manufacturing engineering teams
• Use data‑driven analysis to identify operational constraints, improve throughput, and reduce cycle times
• Integrate digital manufacturing tools, monitoring systems, and automation into production environments
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality and safety standards such as AS9100, OSHA, ITAR, and internal controls
• Oversee facility buildouts, production line planning, and capacity expansion
• Represent manufacturing during internal reviews and customer‑facing program discussions

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in hardware production, manufacturing operations, or complex factory environments
• Strong familiarity with composite materials, advanced fabrication workflows, or multi‑step production processes
• Hands‑on experience launching or scaling manufacturing lines in high‑complexity environments
• Exposure to additive manufacturing, composite systems, curing, resin handling, machining, or inspection
• Experience working with MRP or ERP systems and using metrics to drive decisions
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage technical operations teams
• Strong communicator with cross‑functional leadership experience

• 8+ years leading advanced manufacturing or hardware operations
• Background in automated or digitally enabled production environments
• Experience in composite or metal additive manufacturing technologies
• Familiarity with lightweight aerospace structures, propulsion‑adjacent hardware, or high‑temperature materials
• Exposure to facility infrastructure including gas systems, utilities, logistics, or safety program management
• Strong analytical mindset for capacity modeling and operational planning
• Knowledge of carbon fiber systems, ceramic composites, epoxy matrices, or carbon‑carbon materials

• Lead the creation of a next‑generation manufacturing capability from the ground up
• Influence factory culture, systems, and long‑term operational strategy
• Work directly with founders and technical leaders solving complex engineering challenges
• Help define how advanced materials and automation shape future aerospace production
• High‑impact leadership role within a mission‑driven startup environment
• Strong equity
• Top‑tier benefits for the individual and dependents – 75% covered
• 401k Matching

$140,000 - $200,000