Operations Director
Redwire · Ann Arbor, MI
- Level
- Director+
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $130k–$217k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A director-level production role at Redwire (industrial) in Ann Arbor, MI.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma
- Base pay
- $130k–$217k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Production Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $116k–$158k. This one lists $130k–$217k.
Median of the low and high ends of 241 live postings that list pay, out of 787 production engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Michigan plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 20 other live production postings in Michigan.
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 8+)
Similar roles usually ask 8+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Lean 67%
- Team leadership 52%
- ✓ Six Sigma 33%
- Automation 33%
- New product launch 33%
- ✓ Cost reduction 29%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Redwire
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from RedwireAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned to other duties. Lead the site safety culture by maintaining an unwavering focus on safe operations, regulatory compliance, and accountability while promoting a proactive approach to workplace safety throughout the organization. Develop and implement operational strategies, goals, and objectives aligned with the company's vision, business objectives, and long-term growth plans.
Lead and manage overall manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling, procurement, inventory management, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives. Establish and optimize manufacturing processes and workflows to ensure efficient production, operational scalability, and timely delivery of products while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, quality, and cost performance utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies. Develop, monitor, and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement corrective actions to achieve business objectives.
Foster a results-oriented culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and financial targets. Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, supply chain, program management, and sales, to ensure alignment of priorities and successful execution of company objectives.
Establish and maintain effective communication channels across all levels of the organization, ensuring company initiatives, operational updates, performance expectations, and feedback are communicated clearly and consistently. Implement and maintain strict adherence to quality standards, regulatory requirements, safety protocols, and applicable certifications throughout the manufacturing facility.
Support on-site and corporate supply chain functions, including strategic sourcing, vendor selection, contract negotiations, supplier performance management, and relationship development. Develop and manage manufacturing budgets, including capital and operating expenditures, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and achievement of financial objectives.
Recruit, develop, coach, and mentor a high-performing operations team by providing ongoing feedback, performance management, training, succession planning, and professional development opportunities. Create an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, adaptability, and constructive feedback while fostering employee engagement and accountability. Lead organizational change initiatives and effectively guide teams through business growth, process improvements, and evolving operational priorities.
Exercise sound judgment and data-driven decision-making to solve complex operational challenges, prioritize initiatives, and achieve organizational goals. Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, manufacturing best practices, and leadership development practices, recommending and implementing improvements where appropriate. Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute strategic plans that support business growth, operational scalability, and long-term organizational success.
Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, customer meetings, and other professional events to promote the organization's capabilities and strengthen industry relationships. Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, industry standards, and certifications. Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. 7-10+ years of progressive manufacturing operations experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Proven experience in a senior operations management role within the manufacturing industry. Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, technologies, and best practices. Demonstrated experience in implementing lean manufacturing principles and driving operational excellence.
Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions. Proven track record of driving operational improvements, cost reduction, and quality enhancement. Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Results-oriented mindset, with a focus on achieving operational targets and driving business growth. Knowledge of regulatory
requirements
and certifications relevant to manufactu
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Description
Summary
The Operations Director leads the operations of our Energy Systems manufacturing facility covering the manufacturing of solid oxide fuel cells, lithium polymer battery packs and affiliated accessories and kit assemblies. The Operations Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production and process improvement to ensure efficient and high-quality manufacturing operations. Your leadership, strategic planning, and operational expertise will be crucial in driving the success and growth of our operations.
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