Director, Operations

Director, Operations

Calspan is the premier independent provider of testing and technology development services, solutions, and systems in the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. Our diverse skill set and unique testing capabilities help innovators push the limits of technology to transform the future.

Calspan is a full-service flight test organization housed in a state-of-the-art 80,000 sq. ft. hangar facility on the Niagara Falls, NY, International Airport (KIAG). Our full-time team of experimental test pilots, engineers, mechanics, and technicians stand ready to take your ideas to flight in one of our fleet of jet-powered airborne testbeds.

We are seeking an experienced leader to join our team! As the Director, Operations, you will be responsible for leading all operational activities at flight, including operational engineering, project management, aircraft maintenance and modification, flight test execution, and any related overhead activities.

Every single thing we do with our customers and employees is based upon our goal of being selective in joining and difficult to leave. We operate with a core set of values surrounding inclusiveness, accountability, and innovation. Do you have what it takes to be Calspan?

Responsibilities

Manage in alignment with our company values. Lead with the intent to create a respectful and healthy work culture that embraces inclusion. Create awareness in others of their abilities; involve others and share authority in planning and decision-making; challenge the team and provide support by allowing them to take appropriate risks. Create an environment where others feel ownership of the results and are comfortable taking action to achieve their desired outcomes. Provide timely, constructive feedback regarding performance with a commitment to motivate, train, and develop. Manage administrative responsibilities and assume full responsibility for the accomplishments of department functions.

Provide overall operational leadership

• Engage with all departments regularly to ensure efficient and effective operational processes and tools are in place and are being used correctly
• Closely monitor overhead and facility expenses to ensure adherence to annual budgets and look for opportunities to reduce expenses.
• Work closely with other leaders on the ops team within Flight to achieve a state of constant, continuous improvement. This could include, but is not limited to :
• 5S activities in both the office area and the hangar
• New tools or processes for engineering teams to improve efficiency or quality of deliverables.
• New tools or GSE in the hangar
• Training for engineers, mechanics, and technicians
• Overhead projects for improving the capability and maintainability of flights fleet of experimental airplanes.
• Formally identify opportunities to reduce expenses or improve efficiency as productivity projects where appropriate.
• Provide crisis management leadership when needed by giving clear direction and maintaining a calm and collected demeanor.
• Support recruiting and retaining talented aerospace professionals by creating an environment where open communication and collaboration are championed, and clear and honest feedback is not withheld.

Oversee project execution activities from contract award through closeout

Lead operations planning efforts across the business

Drive the Calspan values into the organization by incorporating them into daily activities

Qualifications

Preferred Education / Experience :

Preferred Knowledge / Ability :

Why join Calspan?

Be Calspan Culture

At Calspan, we promote an environment that empowers employees and encourages innovation. Our management team enables a strong sense of teamwork with each endeavor, where successes are shared and lessons are learned. The company's talent brand, "Be Calspan," incorporates our company values to Be Inclusive, Accountable, and Innovative, and our commitment to drive every individual to Be Developed, Be Balanced, Be Connected, Be Community, and Be Recognized. Our culture promotes a positive atmosphere and a competitive can-do method of action.

Great Benefits = Happy, Committed Employees

Retaining great talent is as important as finding it, so at Calspan, we take our employee value proposition of Be Calspan quite seriously. To us, that means offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, recognition programs and promotional opportunities. Our benefits include : Health Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance / Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short-Term / Long-Term Disability, 401(k), Hospital Coverage, Accident Coverage, Life Insurance Policy, Paid-Time Off, Company-paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Military Leave, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance Reimbursement, and Pet Insurance.

Calspan is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Calspan supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. Calspan is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Salary Range (min)

USD $125,000.00 / Yr.

Salary Range (max)

USD $180,000.00 / Yr.