Chief Operating Officer

Caliola Engineering, LLC•Colorado Springs, CO

2d•$216,528 - $305,864•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will translate the CEO's strategic vision into actionable, day-to-day operations across Caliola. This executive leader is tasked with driving operational efficiency, fostering key talent, and ensuring rigorous adherence to the security and compliance standards vital for the defense sector. The COO's primary mandate is to oversee Caliola's core operational pillars-Business Development, Engineering, and Business Operations-ensuring seamless alignment with the company's strategic growth targets, financial objectives, and established core values.

Requirements

BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related work experience.
Prior experience in an executive role at a Department of War (DoW) contractor.
Deep understanding of DoW contracting, program delivery, the federal acquisition process, and its impact on business operations.
A strong understanding of the relevant high-tech domains (e.g., military satellite and secure communications) to effectively lead technical teams and make informed decisions.
Ability to work under pressure and manage challenging situations with grace and professionalism.
Demonstrated trustworthiness, sound judgment, and unquestionable loyalty to the U.S. are paramount due to the sensitive nature of the work.
Ability to effectively lead a geographically distributed team from Caliola's headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO.
Must be able to obtain a US Top Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related work experience.
Master of Business Administration or Doctor of Law.
Active US Secret or Top-Secret security clearance.
Strong grounding in EOS or a similar operational framework.
Prior military service.

Responsibilities

Execute the CEO's strategic vision by leading day-to-day operations across Caliola within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), ensuring alignment between strategy, execution, and results.
Provide Leadership, Management, and Accountability (LMA) for the key business unit leaders, ensuring consistent execution, performance accountability, and cross-functional alignment.
Drive sustainable, year-over-year revenue and profit growth while maintaining operational discipline, risk management, and compliance within the defense contracting environment.
Own profit and loss (P&L) performance and overall financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and margin performance, to include adherence and compliance with GAAP and CAS (as applicable).
Ensure compliant and competitive cost structure and pricing strategies, including indirect rate management, cost recovery, and readiness for audits by Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and other oversight bodies.
Lead continuous improvement of enterprise-wide operational processes, with emphasis on scalability, efficiency, and integration across functional organizations.
Oversee and maintain best in class employee benefits, to include professional development to drive employee retention and maintain low turnover.
Develop, mentor, and retain senior leaders, reinforcing Caliola's core values and building organizational depth to support growth and project execution.
Oversee quality management systems and assurance activities (e.g., AS9100, ISO), ensuring consistent delivery of high-reliability products and services.
Ensure strong supply chain, contract, and subcontract management to meet cost, quality, and security requirements.
Direct operational, physical, and information security programs, including Caliola's secure spaces, secure networks, facility clearance, and personnel security processes.
Ensure enterprise compliance with applicable government regulations and standards, including but not limited to ITAR/EAR, FAR, DFARS, NISPOM, CUI handling requirements, and CMMC.
Serve as the primary operational interface with US Government customers, Contracting Officers, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), DCAA and Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).
Ensure operational readiness and scalability of the primary Caliola business systems (e.g., Accounting, Purchasing, Government Property, Estimating, Earned Value Management, and Material Management and Accounting Systems), contract vehicles, cleared facilities, personnel security clearances, and company certifications.