Engineering Operations Manager

Ursa Major • Berthoud, CO

68d • $145,000 - $185,000

About The Position

This role will report directly to the President of Liquid Systems and serve as a critical force multiplier-ensuring alignment across engineering, operations, and strategic priorities. With a foundation in engineering (preferably defense or aerospace), this individual will combine program management discipline, operational oversight, and executive support to drive the Liquid Systems organization forward. We are seeking someone who thrives in dynamic environments, anticipates needs, and executes with precision.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, or related field).
• 8+ years of experience in engineering operations, defense/aerospace program management, or a related role.
• Proven track record managing complex technical projects in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated experience in KPI ownership, reporting, and applying metrics to drive organizational performance.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing demands.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work across engineering and executive teams.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and judgment.

Nice To Haves

• Defense or aerospace industry background, with understanding of propulsion systems or liquid systems preferred.
• Experience supporting organizational design and growth initiatives.
• Prior experience supporting executive leadership or acting in a Chief of Staff capacity.
• Familiarity with operational excellence frameworks, program management tools, and reporting systems.
• Demonstrated record of proactively identifying opportunities, driving impactful results, and delivering innovative, hands-on solutions with a strong sense of ownership and commitment.
• Experience managing classified or sensitive defense-related projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic partner to the President of Liquid Systems, providing operational, project management, and administrative support.
• Manage and report on all Liquid Systems KPIs, driving metric-based behavior across the engineering, product, and operations teams.
• Work with and support the People Operations team in employee engagement, succession planning and strategic people focus initiatives.
• Deliver clear weekly reporting on organizational financial performance, milestones, risks, and key outcomes.
• Lead organizational design efforts and support rollouts as the Liquid Systems team grows and matures.
• Track key program deliverables, overall business risks, and dependencies, escalating issues when necessary.
• Coordinate internal and external communications, presentations, and reporting on behalf of Liquid Systems leadership.
• Take initiative, drive process improvements, and implement systems that increase efficiency and visibility.
• Support resource planning, budgeting, and staffing initiatives.
• Act as liaison between leadership, engineering teams, and external stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Machinery Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees