Senior Manager, Operations
About The Position
Based onsite at Rocket Lab Optical Systems headquarters in Tucson, AZ, the Senior Manager of Operations is responsible for leading facilities, machine shop operations, equipment maintenance, site infrastructure, and operational excellence initiatives across Rocket Lab Optical Systems locations. This role provides strategic and tactical leadership to ensure facilities, equipment, and support functions operate safely, efficiently, and reliably while enabling company growth and program execution. The Senior Manager of Operations partners closely with executive leadership to develop operational strategies, manage budgets, improve organizational effectiveness, and support long-term business growth.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of relevant experience, or a High School Diploma and 14 years of relevant experience.
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing multi-functional operational teams.
- Experience leading operations, facilities, manufacturing support, maintenance, or production organizations in aerospace, defense, electro-optical, or precision manufacturing.
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, capital projects, and operational improvement initiatives.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Nice To Haves
- A bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering.
- Experience managing machine shops or manufacturing support operations.
- Experience with cleanroom facilities and environmental controls.
- Experience leading Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
- Knowledge of facilities infrastructure, maintenance systems, and capital improvement projects.
- Experience supporting rapid growth in a manufacturing or high-technology environment.
- Familiarity with CMMS, ERP/MRP, and project management systems.
Responsibilities
- Lead Facilities, Machine Shop, Maintenance, and Site Infrastructure functions.
- Direct supervisor to the Machine Shop & Facilities teams.
- Drive a culture of operational excellence through continuous improvement, process optimization, cost reduction, and performance management initiatives.
- Develop and execute operational strategies that improve efficiency, productivity, quality, and organizational effectiveness.
- Manage facility operations, including maintenance, repairs, ESD program, upgrades, security, janitorial services, and environmental compliance.
- Lead facility renovations, infrastructure improvements, cleanroom expansions, and capital projects from planning through execution.
- Oversee machine shop operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality support of engineering and production activities.
- Develop and manage operational budgets, capital expenditures, and long-range capacity plans that support business growth.
- Establish and monitor operational performance metrics and implement corrective actions as required.
- Manage maintenance programs and equipment lifecycle activities including procurement, installation, commissioning, upgrades, and decommissioning.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, environmental regulations, and applicable industry standards.
- Lead and develop operational staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Manage CMMS and facility ticketing systems to ensure timely resolution of facility and equipment issues.
- Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Executive Leadership to support successful program execution.
- Support additional operational initiatives and site activities as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
