Director of Operations

About LiquidPiston LiquidPiston is reimagining the internal combustion engine.

Our patented X-engine architecture is a compact, lightweight, and fuel-efficient rotary engine based on a novel thermodynamic cycle.

With applications spanning defense, aerospace, robotics, and commercial power generation, LiquidPiston is building the next generation of portable power solutions. We’re a fast-moving, engineering-led company seeking an operational leader who can scale our core infrastructure and drive cross-functional performance as we transition from R&D to commercialization.

Overview LiquidPiston is seeking a hands-on and versatile Director of Operations to help lead the next phase of our company’s growth.

This is a critical leadership role for someone who thrives in a small, fast-moving, and technically complex environment.

You will work directly with the CEO and leadership team to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the company, while also building the systems and processes needed to scale.

Our ideal candidate brings deep small business operational experience—ideally from a 20–100 person company developing hardware or engineering-based technology—and understands the balance between structure and flexibility.

This person must be comfortable rolling up their sleeves, managing across diverse functional areas (machine shop, procurement, finance, IT, facilities), negotiating with suppliers and enabling an R&D-driven, hardware-focused team to succeed.

Responsibilities :

• Operational Leadership Oversee core operational functions including the machine shop, procurement, finance / admin shop, IT, and facilities.
• Build practical systems, processes, and procedures appropriate for a growing engineering organization; ensure efficiency without bureaucracy.
• Serve as a steady hand for day-to-day operations while also working on strategic improvements across the company.
• Support for R&D & Product Development Work closely with engineering leadership to ensure the operational side of the business is tightly aligned with R&D and prototyping needs.
• Support the development and manufacture of early-stage products by ensuring availability of tools, resources, materials, and vendor relationships.
• Help implement scalable workflows as the company transitions from prototypes to low-rate initial production.
• Cross-Functional Coordination Connect the dots between technical teams, admin / finance, and leadership; act as an integrator across departments.
• Lead and manage cross-functional initiatives, such as cost optimization, capital investments, and vendor management.
• Facilitate communication between departments to eliminate silos and drive shared accountability.
• Planning & Execution Lead operational budgeting and planning processes; manage expenses and capital investments.
• Track and report on KPIs related to operational efficiency, cost, vendor performance, and organizational capacity.
• Identify and fix inefficiencies; implement tools and systems that help the company grow sustainably.
• Negotiation Support negotiation of contracts related to procurement, capital equipment, and facility operations.
• Assess and negotiate contract terms with a focus on balancing cost, risk, compliance, and long-term value.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure technical requirements and operational needs are fully represented in all negotiated agreements.
• People & Culture Build and retain high-performing operations and support teams, mentor team members across departments.
• Help foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration within a mission-driven team.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, safety procedures, and applicable regulations (e.g., ITAR, OSHA).

Qualifications :

Preferred :

Benefits & Perks Flexible PTO :

Health & Wellness :

Equity Participation :