Director of Manufacturing Operations

Job Description

Job DescriptionTRC’s client, a growing aerospace and defense manufacturer, has a Direct Hire opportunity for a Senior Director of Programs to join their team in the Atlanta area. This executive-level leader will oversee the full portfolio of aerospace and defense programs, driving execution, financial performance, customer alignment, and operational readiness from development through production. This person will serve as a key interface with government stakeholders, prime contractors, and executive leadership while helping scale program management processes across the business. What You’ll Do
Lead the full lifecycle execution of multiple aerospace and defense programs across development, qualification, LRIP, and FRP
Own portfolio performance related to cost, schedule, technical execution, contractual obligations, and financial outcomes
Establish program governance, performance metrics, and standardized processes across the organization
Partner with executive leadership to align program execution with broader business strategy, growth plans, and operational capacity
Support capture and business development efforts through execution planning, proposal strategy, and pricing input
Serve as the primary executive contact for government customers, agencies, and prime contractors
Lead program reviews, customer briefings, technical interchange meetings, and executive reporting
Oversee compliance with contract requirements, government regulations, and reporting expectations
Drive financial discipline through forecasting, cost controls, risk management, and earned value principles
Lead cross-functional execution across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality
Ensure readiness for production scaling, supplier performance, and quality compliance in a regulated environment
Build and develop a high-performing program management organization, while providing leadership to quality teams aligned to program execution
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
15+ years of progressive program management experience within aerospace or defense
7+ years of leadership experience managing complex, multi-program portfolios
Strong experience working with DoD programs and government customers
Deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS, government contracting, and acquisition processes
Proven experience owning program financials, including P&L, forecasting, and cost performance
Experience leading programs from development through production
Background working in a regulated quality environment such as AS9100
Preferred Background
Master’s degree or MBA
Experience with propulsion systems, turbine engines, or advanced aerospace hardware
Experience partnering with prime contractors or Tier 1 suppliers
PMP, PgMP, or similar certification
Experience with Earned Value Management
Why This Role
High-impact leadership role with visibility across the organization
Opportunity to shape program strategy, execution, and operational scale
Work on advanced aerospace and defense programs in a fast-growing environment
Strong opportunity for long-term growth and influence