Operations Manager

About the Company: ESP 710 develops and manufactures cutting-edge loitering munitions and tactical reconnaissance drones at the forefront of defense technology.

As we rapidly scale our development, project execution, and delivery pipelines, we're looking for a Technological Operations Manager to lead our execution ecosystem and build the operational infrastructure we need to grow quickly. This is NOT a traditional logistics or facility operations role. We are looking for a Technology & Execution Leader with deep engineering and systems understanding—someone who can navigate complex multidisciplinary environments (hardware, software, electronics, mechanics, integration, and manufacturing) while establishing disciplined execution routines, resource management, and executive control across multiple programs.

About the Role:

Responsibilities:

• Organizational Execution & Synchronization: Translate company targets and delivery commitments into an integrated master execution plan encompassing R&D, procurement, integration, field testing, NPI, production, and deliveries.
• Resource Planning & Allocation: Build cross-functional resource plans, manage loads, resolve trade-offs between competing programs, and proactively identify workforce, equipment, or supplier bottlenecks.
• Program Operations & Governance: Establish unified program management routines, project/organizational KPIs, and executive dashboards for real-time visibility into execution status, risks, and readiness.
• Development-to-Production (NPI Pipeline): Drive seamless transitions across the entire product lifecycle: R&D ➔ Integration ➔ Testing ➔ Configuration Freeze ➔ Procurement ➔ NPI ➔ Production ➔ Delivery.
• Supply Chain & Manufacturing Buildout: Lead Make/Buy decisions with R&D, expand the sub-contractor/supplier base, manage critical raw materials, and transition products from prototypes to scaled serial production.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Serve as the operational bridge between R&D, Systems Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Production, Finance, and Executive Leadership.

Required:

• Leadership Experience: Significant managerial experience leading operations, program management, or engineering operations in complex technology environments.
• Multidisciplinary Hardware background: Proven track record in companies developing and delivering complex physical products integrating hardware, software, electronics, and mechanics.
• Lifecycle & NPI Mastery: Strong understanding of System Engineering, integration, field testing, and transition from R&D to serial manufacturing (NPI).
• Execution & Ownership: High analytical capabilities, data-driven decision-making, and total ownership over execution outcomes.
• Process Builder: Ability to establish lightweight, effective management routines and KPIs that enable scale without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.

Strong Advantages:

• Experience in Defense-Tech, UAVs, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Proven experience scaling a company from R&D/low-volume to serial production.
• Academic degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Aeronautical, or related exact sciences).
• Experience working with defense ecosystems, contractors, or defense clients.