Mission Operations Director

We are seeking a Mission Operations Manager to lead a team responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring mission-critical operations for defense and national security programs. This role carries full operational accountability for mission readiness, team performance, and the safe and effective execution of program activities in dynamic and often austere environments.

The ideal candidate is an experienced operational leader who can simultaneously manage strategic program demands and tactical day-of-mission execution, while building a high-performing, mission-focused team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and direct all aspects of mission operations for assigned defense or government programs, from planning through execution and after-action review

• Establish and enforce mission readiness standards, protocols, and operational procedures

• Manage a team of mission operations coordinators and field personnel, providing leadership, mentorship, and performance accountability

• Serve as the primary interface between the mission operations team and senior program leadership, customer stakeholders, and partner organizations

• Coordinate with engineering, logistics, intelligence, and field operations functions to ensure mission resources and capabilities are ready on schedule

• Identify and manage operational risks, develop contingency plans, and lead real-time response to mission anomalies or failures

• Drive continuous improvement of mission operations processes through structured after-action reviews and lessons-learned implementation

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Military Studies, or a related field

• 6+ years of progressive operations management experience, including leadership of mission-critical or defense program operations

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop operational teams in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments

• Strong operational planning, risk management, and executive communication skills

• Willingness to travel as required to support program activities and customer engagements

Preferred Qualifications

• Military service or direct leadership experience supporting DoD, intelligence community, or aerospace programs

• PMP, PMI-RMP, or equivalent certification

• Active U.S. government security clearance (Secret or above preferred)