GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:

Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:

As Vice President of Operations at Innoflight, you will lead and oversee the company’s manufacturing operations, driving efficiency, quality, and compliance across all production activities. You will serve as a strategic leader responsible for planning, directing, and optimizing equipment acquisition, facility layout, and end-to-end manufacturing processes. Your work will influence operational strategy, workflow design, compliance adherence, and team development, ensuring production performance, customer satisfaction, and quality standards are consistently met. You will collaborate with executive leadership to implement long-term goals, advanced technologies, and continuous process improvement initiatives across the organization.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Lead manufacturing operations: Oversee production processes, ensuring performance, safety, quality, and compliance standards are consistently met.
Drive operational excellence: Establish workflows, assembly methods, and production strategies to maximize efficiency and reduce risk.
Supervise and develop teams: Recruit, mentor, and evaluate Operations and Program Management staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Manage equipment and facilities: Coordinate with Finance and Facilities teams on equipment acquisition, maintenance, and layout planning.
Ensure regulatory compliance: Collaborate with environmental, health, and safety teams to maintain compliance with federal, state, and industry regulations.
Support executive strategy: Partner with the CEO and CFO on long-range operating goals, expansion plans, budgets, and technology implementation.
Monitor performance: Review production reports and deliver progress updates to the executive team, identifying opportunities for operational improvements.
Foster cross-functional collaboration: Work with Finance, Facilities, Quality, and other departments to align operations with overall company goals.
Identify training opportunities: Ensure staff have access to programs that build skills and support professional growth.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

Leading complex manufacturing operations: Driving operational performance and quality in a regulated environment.
Executive influence: Communicating and collaborating effectively across all levels of the organization.
Team leadership and mentoring: Developing high-performing Operations and Program Management teams.
Regulatory and quality compliance: Maintaining adherence to AS9100D, ISO 9001, CMMI, IPC, and other standards.
Strategic decision-making: Aligning operational capabilities with business goals while managing risk and resources.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required; Master’s Degree preferred.
10 or more years of progressive experience in industrial/manufacturing management, ideally in aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated industries.
Expertise in lean, Six Sigma, and risk-based quality management methodologies.
Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, contract manufacturing, testing methods, assembly, conformal coating, and post-assembly services.
Demonstrated ability to influence at the executive level and communicate across departments.
Excellent organizational, managerial, verbal, and written communication skills.
Strong ability to set long-term operational goals, motivate teams, and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The starting base salary for this position ranges from $150,000 to $230,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
10 paid holidays + 160 hours PTO (starting in year one)
Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:

At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.

YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

REFERRALS:

We love a good referral! If you know someone that would be a great fit for this position, please share!

A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:

Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.

To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

Innoflight

Latest Jobs

Vice President of Operations