Test Facility Director

P3 Technologies LLC•Town of Indian River Shores, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Barber-Nichols (BN) is a leading provider of custom turbomachinery for the Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics and Energy industries. We are working with customers who are at the top of their game. Together, we help our customers revolutionize their markets and build amazing relationships with them in the process. If you're seeking to work with an amazing team in an atmosphere that supports your development, and recognizes your achievements, BN is the place for you. The Director, Test Facility provides executive operational leadership for a cryogenic and propellant test facility supporting flow testing, qualification, and development of products for space, energy, and defense applications. This role is responsible for operational excellence, safety leadership, team development, and process discipline across all aspects of test execution and holds full accountability for the safe, compliant, and reliable operation of liquid oxygen (LOX), liquid hydrogen (LH2), liquid nitrogen (LN2), and methane (LCH4) systems. The Director, Test Facility ensures facility readiness, infrastructure integrity, workforce capability, and adherence to rigorous technical and regulatory standards required for cryogenic and hazardous operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline (Master’s degree preferred).
10+ years of experience in aerospace, propulsion, or cryogenic test facility operations.
Demonstrated experience leading complex technical operations in safety-critical environments.
Deep knowledge of cryogenic propellants (LOX, LH2, LN2, methane), fluid systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
Proven operational leadership experience managing test facilities or similar industrial infrastructure.
Experience establishing safety programs and leading teams in hazardous environments.
Experience operating in ITAR/EAR controlled environments.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting spaceflight hardware development, qualification, or production programs.
Experience commissioning or upgrading cryogenic test infrastructure.
Familiarity with propulsion systems, turbomachinery, valves, or flow control hardware testing.
Experience implementing quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
Working knowledge of NASA, ISO, NFPA, and AS9100 standards.

Responsibilities

Provide overall operational leadership for day-to-day activities of the cryogenic propellant test facility.
Ensure safe, reliable, and repeatable execution of cryogenic flow testing and propulsion-related test programs.
Oversee test planning, scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation to meet program commitments.
Maintain readiness and operational integrity of cryogenic storage, transfer, conditioning, and control systems.
Ensure reliability of test stands, instrumentation, controls, data acquisition systems, and support utilities.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance test throughput, system reliability, and data quality.
Provide technical oversight of LOX, LH2, LN2, and LCH4 systems including storage, transfer, pressurization, conditioning, and safety controls.
Ensure proper hazard analysis and risk mitigation for cryogenic and high-energy propellant operations.
Guide facility upgrades, modifications, and infrastructure investments to improve performance and safety.
Support complex troubleshooting of fluid, thermal, and propulsion test systems.
Ensure compliance with applicable NASA, NFPA, ISO, AS9100, and other industry standards governing cryogenic and propulsion testing.
Serve as the accountable authority for facility safety performance.
Establish and reinforce a strong safety culture appropriate for hazardous cryogenic and propellant operations.
Lead development and enforcement of operating procedures, lockout/tagout protocols, emergency response plans, and hazard controls.
Conduct and oversee hazard analyses, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
Ensure full compliance with environmental, safety, export control, and customer regulatory requirements.
Develop, implement, and maintain standardized operating procedures and test processes.
Ensure configuration control, documentation rigor, and disciplined data management practices.
Drive adherence to defined processes while fostering continuous improvement.
Support audits, technical reviews, and customer assessments related to test operations.
Establish operational KPIs focused on safety, quality, schedule performance, and facility utilization.
Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and operations personnel.
Establish clear roles, expectations, and accountability throughout the organization.
Recruit, develop, and retain talent with specialized cryogenic and propulsion test expertise.
Implement structured training programs for cryogenic operations, hazardous systems handling, and test execution.
Foster a culture of technical excellence, ownership, collaboration, and safety-first decision making.
Provide mentorship and succession planning to ensure long-term operational continuity.
Directly supervises test facility personnel including hiring, training, performance management, and team development.
Provides leadership across cross-functional interfaces including engineering, quality, safety, and program management.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
FSA and HSA savings account options with company paid HSA quarterly contributions
Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
401(k) with 4% Company Match and immediate vesting
401(k) Profit Sharing
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (NYSE: GHM)
Generous PTO and Paid Holidays with an option to purchase additional PTO
Tuition reimbursement
Performance-based bonus program
Paid Parental Leave, Military Leave, Jury Duty, and Bereavement Leave
Various mental, physical, and financial health programs