Chief Operating Officer (COO)/Manufacturing

Experience with manufacturing quality systems, continuous improvement, root-cause analysis, throughput, yield, first-pass quality, and unit cost improvement. Experience building and leading senior operations leadership teams across manufacturing, supply chain, program management, and quality.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)/Manufacturing
Sterling, VA (hybrid)
Pay From: $300,000 per year

MUST:
Experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Active clearance highly preferred
15+ years of progressive operations leadership experience
5+ years in a COO, SVP/EVP of Operations, or equivalent executive operations leadership role
Demonstrated track record personally scaling a manufacturing organization through rapid growth in headcount, production volume, and/or revenue
Direct hands-on manufacturing leadership experience across production, quality, and supply chain within a hardware or hard-tech environment
Manufacturing experience within the automotive industry and/or drone/unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry
Experience transitioning manufacturing operations from low-rate initial production to full-rate, repeatable production
Experience implementing Lean, Toyota Production System (TPS), Six Sigma, or comparable manufacturing process improvement methodologies
Experience leading and scaling manufacturing operations across multiple sites
Experience building and managing supply chain, procurement, supplier qualification, dual-sourcing, and inventory strategies
Experience with Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), production scheduling, capacity planning, and demand forecasting
Experience with manufacturing quality systems, continuous improvement, root-cause analysis, throughput, yield, first-pass quality, and unit cost improvement
Experience operating within regulated manufacturing environments such as ITAR/EAR, DCAA, FAR, AS9100, and/or IATF 16949
Experience managing operational P&L, budgets, capital planning, operating plans, and performance metrics
Experience building and leading senior operations leadership teams across manufacturing, supply chain, program management, and quality
Experience implementing or operating ERP/MRP systems within manufacturing environments
Ability to travel regularly up to 40%, including international travel
Defense or aerospace government contracting experience preferred
Knowledge of DoD acquisition, DCAA, FAR/DFARS, and government contracting environments preferred
Experience achieving or maintaining ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 certification preferred
Experience with unmanned systems, tethered UAS, counter-UAS, or related aerospace/defense hardware preferred
Experience integrating acquired companies or subsidiaries into a parent company's operating model preferred
International manufacturing and supply chain experience, particularly involving Israel, preferred
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent practical Lean/Six Sigma experience preferred
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field required
MBA or advanced degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business preferred

DUTIES:
Lead day-to-day operations across a rapidly scaling defense and aerospace manufacturing organization
Own operational P&L and translate corporate strategy and growth objectives into operating plans, organizational structures, and execution priorities
Design and implement the operational infrastructure, processes, systems, and KPIs required to support rapid growth in production, headcount, and revenue
Partner with the CEO and executive leadership on corporate strategy, annual operating plans, capital planning, and operational performance
Build, mentor, and lead senior operations leadership across manufacturing, supply chain, program management, and quality
Lead multi-site manufacturing operations and transition production from low-rate initial production to full-rate, repeatable production
Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and related manufacturing methodologies to improve throughput, yield, first-pass quality, and unit cost
Develop and continuously improve manufacturing infrastructure, tooling, work instructions, and production systems
Own manufacturing quality systems and establish a culture of continuous improvement and root-cause problem solving
Build and scale resilient supply chain and procurement operations
Develop supplier qualification, dual-sourcing, inventory management, and supply chain risk mitigation strategies
Oversee program management and production scheduling to ensure on-time and on-cost delivery
Lead S&OP processes to align demand forecasts, production capacity, inventory, and supply chain commitments
Evaluate, implement, and scale ERP/MRP systems providing visibility into production, inventory, and program performance
Partner with Finance, Engineering, and People Operations to align hiring, facilities, budgets, and infrastructure with operational growth
Lead multi-site and international operations while establishing consistent operating standards
Represent operations during customer, investor, executive, board, and government program reviews
Ensure manufacturing and supply chain operations comply with applicable DCAA, FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and other government contracting requirements
Support government audits, disclosures, security requirements, and facility clearance activities
Identify and mitigate operational risks involving supply chain, facilities, production capacity, and other potential single points of failure
Maintain direct engagement with manufacturing-floor operations and production leadership


Quadrant is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, status as a protected veteran, or status as an individual with a disability. “Healthcare benefits are offered to all eligible employees according to compliance mandated by the Affordable Care Act“.