Job Information
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. Director of Operations (Prometheus) in Bloomfield, Indiana
Job Descriptions:
Prometheus Energetics LLC is seeking a Director of Operations to lead the start-up, activation, and operational of its new Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) manufacturing facility in the Bloomfield, Indiana area.
Prometheus Energetics is a new U.S.-based joint venture and merchant supplier of solid rocket motors, energetics, and adjacent propulsion products for U.S. and international defense markets. The Director of Operations will play a critical role in transitioning the site from construction completion through equipment installation, process qualification, first article production, and full-rate manufacturing.
This position is responsible for building the operational organization from the ground up, developing production systems and processes, and establishing a high-performance culture centered on safety, quality, schedule, and cost execution. The Director of Operations will lead all manufacturing, production planning, facilities operations, and shop-floor support functions, ensuring the factory is purpose-built for scale, reliability, and mission assurance.
This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer.
Responsibilities:
Plant Start-Up & Operational Stand-Up
Lead all aspects of factory activation including equipment installation, commissioning, validation, and process qualification
Develop and execute the operational ramp-up plan from first builds through full-rate production
Establish manufacturing readiness milestones, KPIs, and production metrics
Drive knowledge transfer from parent companies and external partners into documented, repeatable manufacturing processes
Ensure manufacturing processes meet AS9100, DoD, ATF, OSHA, and applicable energetic material handling standards
Partner with Engineering to transition from development to stable production
Organizational Build-Out & Leadership
Build the operations organization from initial leadership hires through full production staffing
Recruit, hire, and develop high-caliber manufacturing leaders, supervisors, planners, and technicians
Establish training and certification programs for Operations personnel
Develop cross-training programs to build workforce flexibility and production resilience
Create a culture of accountability, ownership, and mission focus across all shifts and functions
Implement clear communication rhythms and performance expectations at all levels
Manufacturing & Production Execution
Direct all production-related activities including motor case preparation, insulating, lining, propellant processing, casting, cure, assembly, and final integration (as applicable to facility scope)
Oversee Production Planning & Control, Master Scheduling, and material flow
Ensure on-time delivery commitments to Prime, U.S. Government, and international customers
Drive cost control, labor efficiency, and throughput optimization
Lead daily operations reviews focused on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost
Operational Systems & Continuous Improvement
Facilitate implementation and/or optimization of ERP systems, manufacturing execution systems, and warehouse management processes
Develop standard work, visual management systems, and structured production control processes
Implement Lean manufacturing principles to eliminate waste and improve flow
Establish factory performance dashboards and metrics reporting to executive leadership and Board stakeholders
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, cycle time, and quality performance
Safety, Quality & Compliance
Ensure strict adherence to all safety standards related to energetics and explosive materials
Partner with Safety & Security leadership to maintain full regulatory compliance
Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality management systems and customer requirements
Maintain audit readiness for customer, regulatory, and government inspections
Champion a safety first culture
Executive & Stakeholder Engagement
Provide regular operational readiness updates to executive leadership, JV partners, and the Board of Directors
Support customer engagements, production readiness reviews, and government audits
Contribute to long-range capacity planning and capital investment strategies
Required Experience:
Qualifications:
20+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, energetics, propulsion, or highly regulated manufacturing environments
Demonstrated experience leading plant start-up, greenfield factory activation, or major production ramp programs
5+ years of direct leadership experience managing multi-level manufacturing organizations
Strong knowledge of ERP systems, production planning, and inventory control systems
Deep understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologies
Experience operating under AS9100 or similar and government contract compliance environments
Proven ability to build and scale operational teams in a fast-paced start-up environment
Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities
High integrity leadership style with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Must be a U.S. Citizen due to the nature of the work
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field required
Advanced degree (MBA or technical MS) preferred
Experience in solid rocket motor manufacturing, energetics production, or propulsion systems highly desired
Work Environment:
Office, manufacturing, and energetic processing environments
Ability to stand and walk production floors for extended periods
Ability to work in hazardous material environments with appropriate PPE
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
Location:
- Bloomfield, Indiana area
Travel Required:
- Occasional domestic and international travel as required
Keyword: AS9100; plant start-up; aerospace; defense; operations; ERP systems
Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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From: Kratos Defense