New

Director Production Operations

United Launch Alliance
paid time off, 401(k)
United States, Alabama, Decatur
Feb 04, 2026
Requisition ID: 1580 Location:ULA - Decatur Relocation:Yes- Relocation may be available Travel Requirements:25% At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team. Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you! Job Overview & Responsibilities Directs and leads the launch vehicle production teams as well as the Factory Support Engineering and Production Support teams. Focuses team on a common goal to support the needs of production while also balancing the technical aspects required to be successful. Formulates strategies and prioritizes and coordinates priorities and capabilities to ensure the production plan is executed to meet and exceed Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost objectives. Experience multi-tasking and working across multi-faceted teams. Develops strategies and translates into actionable objectives and business plans. Drives operational efficiencies and improvement activities that add value to the manufacturing value stream and ensures effective returns on assets / investments. Leads and develops, including mentoring and coaching. Builds and develops a capable workforce of high performing work teams, utilizing perfect product delivery concepts. Partner with IAM and Customer representatives to ensure good relationship and that business objectives are met. Work closely with safety and quality to ensure a culture with a reputation as a safe working environment while meeting all AS9100 quality requirements. Work closely with finance and engineering to ensure all cost, schedule and technical requirements are satisfied. Required Education Bachelor Required Years of Experience Minimum of 8 years of related work experience Basic Qualifications * At least 8 years applicable experience, plus a minimum of 4 years of management or leadership experience in leading teams of exempt or nonexempt employees or other leaders. * Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. * Previous Production, Quality, Finance and/or Engineering leadership experience. * Ability to work with executive peers across functional boundaries to ensure most effective solutions to Production issues. * Proven ability to mentor and coach less experienced leaders and individual contributors. * Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to translate strategies into operational processes and outcomes. * Proven ability to lead change. * Excellent written and oral communication skills to effectively lead and develop teams in attainment of operational, business and talent development objectives. * Strong listening and delegation skills. * Proven ability to motivate and inspire employees. * Purposeful and strategic leader that can drive change and create a unity of purpose. * Ability to prioritize activities when different priorities arise and communicate decision appropriately and effectively. * Experience working in a production environment. * Previous cost accounting or financial experience. * Ability to promote enterprise teamwork. * This position will require working extended hours and /or weekends along with off shifts, as necessary to support production activities. Preferred Qualifications * Experience with SAP or similar ERP & MRP systems. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project). * Master's degree is preferred. * Experience with manufacturing techniques and assemblies. * Proven experience coordinating various Engineering, Quality, Safety and Production issues with Launch Sites and Denver Design Engineering as necessary. * Ability to obtain and maintain an active DoD SC preferred. US citizenship required. What makes ULA different? Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels. We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including: 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees Generous paid time off Flexible work environments Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off. Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR).This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information). ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish). Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted.