Director of Operations

Tendeg LLC is a premier spacecraft deployables company. Our novel designs are enabling exciting missions providing high gain antennas for sensor applications and communications. We have 12 antennas on-orbit and 20 flight deliverables occurring in 2025. Our missions include Earth Science (weather, surface deformation and change); LEO, GEO and lunar communications; synthetic aperture radar (SAR); and unique radio frequency sensors for commercial and government applications. We have apertures from 50cm to 10m, VHF to Q/V-band, and precise 2-axis gimbals. Consider joining our innovative and rapidly growing team.

Tendeg’s Philosophy

We encourage innovation and entrepreneurial energy. We are successful because we take a unique approach to solving problems. We look for creative thinkers and self-motivated people that can collaborate within our open team environment. TENDEG is an acronym for TENacious Design and Engineering Group. Obviously, tenacity is another trait we embrace.

Title: Director of Operations

Position Type: Full-Time/Exempt

Pay Range: $190,000-$250,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data)

Location: Louisville, CO

About this role: The Director of Operations will lead and manage the operational activities for our advanced aerospace antenna manufacturing team. This senior leadership role will involve overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring the efficient production and delivery of high-quality antenna products for aerospace applications. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience in assembly, integration, and test operations, supply chain management, applicable manufacturing principles, and the aerospace industry.

We are looking for a Director of Operations that will support the following programs:

• INCUS: NASA has selected Tendeg to deliver four Ka-band deployable antennas for a new Earth science mission called Investigation of Convective Updrafts (INCUS) that will study the behavior of tropical storms and thunderstorms, including their impacts on weather and climate models. https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-selects-new-mission- to-study-storms-impacts-on-climate-models
• 2-axis Gimbal Antennas: Tendeg has multiple contracts to develop, fabricate, test and deliver flight units for deployable high gain antennas from X-band to Q/V-band. These are for sensor and communication missions for LEO, MEO and lunar applications.
• Perimeter Truss Reflectors: Tendeg has multiple contracts to deliver large aperture antennas for GEO communications, SAR, and national security

What you'll do:

Operational Strategy and Leadership:

• Develop and execute the operational strategy to meet company goals and objectives.

• Lead, manage, and mentor cross-functional teams including production, manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, test engineering, planning, and supply chain management.

• Oversee all aspects of the manufacturing process, from raw materials to final product assembly and delivery, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations.

• Implement best practices in operations, quality assurance, and supply chain management to improve production capabilities and throughput.

Production Management:

• Ensure on-time delivery of high-quality aerospace antenna products, meeting customer specifications and regulatory standards.

• Optimize production workflows, reduce waste, improve efficiency, and maintain high production standards.

• Manage production schedules, allocate resources, and monitor progress to achieve manufacturing targets.

• Oversee inventory management, ensuring optimal levels of materials are available while minimizing excess inventory.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Ensure that manufacturing processes adhere to strict aerospace industry standards and regulatory requirements, including ISO and AS9100 certifications.

• Establish and monitor quality control processes to guarantee product reliability, performance, and durability.

• Work closely with the engineering team to troubleshoot and resolve any product or process-related issues, driving continuous improvement.

Supply Chain and Logistics Management:

• Oversee the procurement of materials, components, and parts, maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.

• Coordinate with logistics and shipping teams to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of products.

• Monitor and assess supplier performance to ensure materials meet quality standards and are delivered on time.

Financial Oversight:

• Develop and manage the operations budget, ensuring cost control and resource optimization.

• Analyze production costs and identify areas for cost savings and process improvements.

• Prepare and present operational performance reports to senior management, providing data-driven insights and recommendations.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation across all operational functions.

• Develop and implement training programs to enhance team skills and knowledge in advanced antenna manufacturing processes.

• Recruit, retain, and develop top talent in the operations team, providing leadership and guidance to ensure career growth and succession planning.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with engineering, business development, and program management teams to understand customer needs, improve product design, and meet delivery expectations.

• Partner with R&D teams to implement new technologies and manufacturing techniques that drive operational excellence and competitive advantage.

Key Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably in the aerospace or high-tech manufacturing industry.
• Proven expertise in advanced manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and lean principles.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001, FAR regulations).
• Strong financial acumen with experience in managing budgets and driving cost efficiencies.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Proven track record in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits: As we are growing and investing in our company, we invest in our team. We recognize employee contributions through competitive salaries and bonuses and take pride in taking care of our employees. Here is how we show our appreciation:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical/Dental and Vision Insurance Plans
• Tax Advantage Account (Flexible Spending Account) (FSA)
• Retirement Savings Plan-Traditional 401(k) Plan
• Employer Paid Short Term Disability and Basic Life, AD&D
• Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Long Term Disability
• EAP Program
• Company SWAG
• Dog friendly work environment
• Free company parking
• Break rooms fully stocked with snacks, drinks, and an espresso coffee machine

US Citizenship Is Required

Tendeg LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, national origin, veteran status and any other protected factor.

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