Vice President of Operations – Scale Advanced Composites 3D Printing for Aerospace Manufacturing!
Broomfield, CO | Onsite
Opportunity Summary
A pre-seed aerospace manufacturing startup with active government programs and commercial momentum is entering its next phase of growth: scaling a newly built, high-tech production facility in Colorado. To help lead this transformation, the team is hiring a Vice President of Operations to work directly with the CEO to manage execution, drive throughput, and optimize how next-gen aerospace components are delivered. This is a pivotal opportunity to shape a high-performance production environment rooted in breakthrough 3D printing technology, advanced materials, and a digital-first manufacturing architecture. The ideal candidate has a background in hardware manufacturing, preferably in aerospace, defense, or complex industrial systems, and is eager to build from the ground up.
About Us
We’re transforming how mission-critical aerospace components are produced. Our patented composite 3D printing platform leverages a novel process to cure thermoset and preceramic materials mid-print, drastically reducing labor, tooling, and waste while enabling structurally optimized parts at scale. This proprietary system utilizes aerospace-qualified resins and fillers, including epoxy, phenolic, silicone, silicon carbide, and carbon-carbon, to produce thermal protection systems, structural components, and propulsion-grade parts. Applications span hypersonics, missiles, satellites, reentry vehicles, and beyond. Our Smart Factory in Colorado integrates Industry 4.0 principles for real-time data visibility, intelligent workflow orchestration, and continuous production optimization.
Job Duties
- Own end-to-end operations across production, post-processing, quality, and logistics for flight-grade composite components
- Design and implement scalable systems to accelerate post-print operations and enable smart-factory throughput
- Lead the deployment of new tools, fixtures, and post-processing hardware in support of growing order volumes
- Partner closely with R&D to translate novel materials and designs into efficient, repeatable manufacturing processes
- Build and manage multidisciplinary teams supporting factory operations and infrastructure
- Use first-principles thinking and real-time data to uncover inefficiencies and drive performance gains
- Collaborate with software, mechanical, and automation engineers to co-develop integrated factory solutions
- Ensure compliance with AS9100, ITAR, OSHA/EHS standards, and quality control benchmarks
- Play a key leadership role in facility buildout, production line launch, and day-to-day manufacturing oversight
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical field
- 6+ years of experience in production, factory operations, or hardware manufacturing roles
- Strong understanding of high-performance composite materials and/or complex fabrication workflows
- Experience scaling factory systems or deploying new lines in high-complexity environments
- Familiarity with post-processing techniques (e.g., machining, inspection, heat treatment)
- ERP/MRP system exposure and comfort using operational metrics for decision-making
- Demonstrated leadership managing technical teams and cross-functional programs
Preferred Experience
- 10+ years of experience in hardware operations or advanced manufacturing leadership
- Experience launching or expanding smart factories, including automation and integration of digital systems
- Background in metal or composite additive manufacturing, casting, or related technologies
- Familiarity with thermal protection system components or propulsion system manufacturing
- Exposure to infrastructure systems including power, gas, material logistics, and safety compliance
- Strong Excel/data analysis capabilities and comfort with factory modeling or capacity planning
- Knowledge of aerospace-grade composite systems like carbon-carbon, silicon carbide, or phenolics
Why Join Us
- Help lead a transformative manufacturing company with real-world impact across space and defense
- Work directly with the founding team to shape operations from the ground up
- Be part of a mission-focused team redefining how aerospace systems are designed and built
- Early-stage equity opportunity with high-growth potential
- Modern factory infrastructure, automation integration, and a first-of-its-kind additive platform
- Career advancement and leadership growth
Compensation Details
$150,000 - $200,000 plus equity
