Senior Vice President, US Operations at edgeautonomy-careers in San Luis Obispo, California; Huntsville, Alabama

Job description

• SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $220,000 to $300,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.
• The Senior Vice President, Redwire Defense Tech U.S. Operations provides senior leadership oversight and strategic direction for all U.S.-based Defense Tech manufacturing and engineering sites. This position directly manages all General Managers/Vice Presidents across the organization including those leading UAS/UAV manufacturing facilities, energy systems operations, and aerospace/advanced manufacturing sites.
• The SVP ensures organizational alignment, operational excellence, cross-site consistency, and compliance across multiple facilities with diverse product lines. This leader drives performance, fosters a high‑caliber leadership culture, and advances the company’s competitive standing in defense, aerospace, and unmanned systems sectors.

Responsibilities

• The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
• Develop and execute an integrated U.S. operations strategy aligned with corporate goals and market expansion priorities.
• Establish enterprise-wide operational standards, performance expectations, and cultural values for all General Managers.
• Act as a key advisor to the COO on operational readiness, capacity, risks, and long-term investment planning.
• Lead, mentor, and manage General Managers responsible for individual manufacturing and engineering facilities.
• Ensure operational consistency across sites in manufacturing processes, production planning, supply chain performance, quality systems, and customer delivery.
• Improve cross‑site workflows, system standardization, and best-practice sharing among GM teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives at all U.S. facilities, targeting efficiency, productivity, cost reduction, and process optimization.
• Oversee site performance evaluations and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Support GM-level improvements to operational plans, workflows, and team effectiveness.
• Ensure adherence to quality and regulatory standards across all facilities, including AS9100, ISO standards, FAA rules, ITAR/EAR, and DOD-related compliance frameworks.
• Lead enterprise quality improvement and certification readiness efforts.
• Promote a strong safety culture and consistent hazard mitigation practices.
• Oversee all U.S. site-level P&L performance and financial execution.
• Guide GMs in disciplined budgeting, cost control, financial planning, and data-driven decision-making.
• Evaluate and implement enterprise-wide cost savings, operational efficiencies, and scalability strategies.
• Partner with engineering, flight systems teams, quality, supply chain, HR, programs, and corporate leadership to ensure seamless operational coordination.
• Support GMs in strengthening collaboration between departments and functions.
• Participate in key customer relationships, program reviews, and strategic partnership initiatives.
• Ensure operational readiness and reliability for customers across all sites.
• Provide coaching, succession planning, and leadership training opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Deliver thorough, data-driven updates on operational, financial, and strategic performance for all U.S. facilities.
• Identify risks, opportunities, and mitigation plans in partnership with site GMs.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of extensive senior leadership experience overseeing multi-site operations in defense, aerospace, UAS/UAV, or advanced manufacturing.
• Strong track record of managing senior leaders such as General Managers.
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing operations, supply chain, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and production planning.
• Expert understanding of compliance frameworks: AS9100, ISO, ITAR, EAR, FAA regulations, DOD and defense-sector rules.
• ERP implementation experience
• Proven ability to lead teams, build strong culture, and drive continuous improvement.
• Exceptional communication, financial management, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience leading organizations through growth, transformation, or scaling initiatives.

Skills

Required

• Senior leadership
• Multi-site operations management
• Manufacturing operations
• Supply chain
• Quality systems
• Regulatory compliance
• Production planning
• AS9100
• ISO
• ITAR
• EAR
• FAA regulations

Benefits

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan