Director of Facilities

Venus Aerospace • Houston, TX

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: Director of Facilities
We are seeking an experienced Aerospace Director of Facilities to lead the planning, maintenance, operation, and continuous improvement of advanced aerospace manufacturing, testing, and laboratory facilities. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, compliant, reliable, and scalable infrastructure that supports propulsion development, vehicle integration, and production programs.
This role reports to the VP of Operations and serves as the site authority for facilities, infrastructure, and EH&S decisions. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong technical, operational, and environmental health and safety expertise who thrives in fast-paced, mission-driven environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, Environmental Science, or related technical field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 10+ years of progressive experience managing aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or high-tech facilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects and complex infrastructure systems.
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and building systems.
• Experience leading teams and managing government partners and commercial vendors.
• Proficiency with CMMS/asset management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
• U.S. Person or work authorization as required for ITAR/export-controlled facilities.
• Experience supporting government, DoD, or customer audits.
• Ability to lift and move up to 25–50 lbs as required.
• Comfortable working in industrial, laboratory, and test environments.
• Availability to respond to facility emergencies outside standard business hours when needed.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience supporting propulsion test stands, clean rooms, and laboratory environments.
• Knowledge of LEED, ISO standards, and sustainability programs.
• Experience with CAD and facility layout tools.
• Strong understanding of OSHA, NFPA, NEC, and building codes.
• Experience scaling facilities in startup or high-growth environments.

Responsibilities

• Facilities Operations, Maintenance, & Improvement: Support a growing, multi-site footprint supporting propulsion development, integration, and production operations.
• Develop and manage preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs.
• Ensure reliability and operational readiness of all critical systems.
• Maintain HVAC, fire suppression, emergency power, water systems, and mechanical infrastructure.
• Scope and manage mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and utility infrastructure to support evolving operational needs.
• Plan and execute equipment installations, relocations, and utility upgrades.
• Manage capital improvement projects from requirements definition through commissioning and handover.
• Support site selection, leasing, permitting, and regulatory approvals for new facilities.
• Develop and maintain facilities SOPs, documentation, and asset records.
• Serve as facilities and infrastructure authority during incidents, shutdowns, and emergency response events, including stop-work decisions when required.
• Security, Safety, & Compliance: Lead team responsible for physical security, EH&S, and regulatory compliance across all sites.
• Manage environmental operating permits, compliance reporting, and regulatory interactions.
• Conduct audits, inspections, training, risk assessments, and tracking systems.
• Support government, DoD, and customer audits related to facilities, safety, and infrastructure compliance.
• Budgeting, Asset Management & Systems: Develop and manage facilities budgets for operating and capital expenditure.
• Oversee asset lifecycle management using CMMS/ERM systems.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve cost efficiency and reliability.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, develop, and lead high-performing facilities, maintenance, and EH&S teams.
• Establish performance standards and accountability across facilities operations.
• Build strong partnerships with engineering, production, IT, HR, and safety teams.
• Build scalable team structures, succession plans, and career development paths for facilities, maintenance, and EH&S personnel.
• Local Partner & Vendor Management: Develop and maintain critical relationships with federal, state, and local entities relevant to the operation of our facilities and infrastructure.
• Manage government relationships, external vendors, contractors, and service providers relevant to the maintenance and expansion of our facilities
• Cross-Functional Support & Workplace Experience: Ensure facilities support a safe, professional, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Provide daily operational support to the entire Venus team.
• Partner with technical teams to support hardware testing and development.
• Manage site services including security, janitorial, catering, and hospitality.
• Support space planning, office moves, and large meetings or company events.
• Project & Program Management: Lead complex infrastructure and operational projects.
• Develop project schedules, documentation, and reporting.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Benefits

• Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision.
• We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director