Energetics Operations Manager

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

The Energetics Operations Manager is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of energetics operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, Department of Defense (DoD) standards, and safety protocols. This role requires a highly experienced professional with expertise in managing engineering teams, directing policies related to explosive materials, and serving as the primary point of contact for audits, reviews, and inspections.

This position reports to a Director and is responsible for managing the development and implementation of activities for one or more manufacturing operations to meet production safety, quality, schedule, and cost objectives. Directs all phases of the manufacturing operation from plant layout to daily operations. Collaborates with management across departments to develop and implement current, annual, and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business and financial objectives for manufacturing operations. May also contribute to the development of annual and long-term objectives for the organization.

Typically accomplishes objectives through subordinate management. May be responsible for decisions that have an extended impact on outcomes where erroneous decisions could result in safety infractions, critical delays and modifications to projects.

Essential Functions:

• Direct the planning, scheduling, and management of manufacturing operations to achieve business, safety, quality, and financial objectives.
• Act as the primary contact for manufacturing activities and participate in progress planning and review sessions to discuss schedule and cost.
• Ensure all operations are monitored for regulatory and safety compliance.
• Ensure a proactive approach to continuous improvement and manage the implementation of lean principles.
• Manage production schedules based on product introduction, equipment efficiency, and materials supply.
• Ensure machinery, equipment, and tools are well maintained.
• Identify manufacturing issues and provide leadership in developing solutions.
• Provide guidance to engineering regarding design concepts and specification requirements that best utilize the facilities equipment and manufacturing techniques.
• Ensure manufacturing leadership and excellence is maintained by overseeing the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required management, professional, and technical talent.
• Provide manufacturing expertise to the development of new and expansion of existing business opportunities to enhance the capabilities of the organization.
• Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Responsible for ensuring all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations are observed wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
  Responsible for ensuring work is accomplished in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

Specific Functions:

• Leadership and Management:
  • Manage and lead engineering teams involved in energetics operations, fostering professional development and ensuring effective collaboration.
  • Direct management and policies related to explosive materials in accordance with federal explosives laws.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for DCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency) and DCMA (Defense Contract Management Agency) audits and reviews.
  • Provide and review input for proposals, including scope of work, infrastructure, and labor estimates for energetics processing.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Act as the "Responsible Person" as defined by federal explosives laws, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.
  • Oversee inventory management of energetics materials and ensure proper key control for magazines.
  • Ensure adherence to DoD Manual 4145.26 and DoD Manual 5100.76M regarding storage, handling, and transportation of explosives.
  • Support BATFE (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) inspections and address any findings or corrective actions.
  • Maintain compliance with all state and local regulations related to explosives operations.
• Safety and Training:
  • Lead safety investigations related to energetics operations and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Develop and oversee training programs and qualification processes for personnel working with explosive materials.
  • Establish and maintain emergency procedures for energetics operations, ensuring readiness for potential incidents.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelors degree in business administration, engineering or a related discipline and thirteen or more years of progressively complex manufacturing experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the principles, concepts, theories, and practices of manufacturing operations; extensive experience demonstrating a broad application of operations practices, techniques, and standards; as well as comprehensive project management and leadership skills, including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Must possess the ability to resolve unusually complex management and technical problems.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required.
• Customer focused, must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment and able to work extended hours as required.

Specific Qualifications:

• Proven experience managing engineering teams in high-stakes environments, with a focus on energetics operations.
• Deep understanding of federal explosives laws and the role of a "Responsible Person."
• Expertise in DoD standards, including DoD Manual 4145.26 and DoD Manual 5100.76M.
• Familiarity with BATFE inspections and compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and coordinate with government agencies (DCSA, DCMA, BATFE).
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Relevant certifications and experience in explosives handling, safety, or DoD compliance are highly desirable.

Work Environment:

• This position requires work in a controlled environment involving explosive materials. The Energetics Operations Manager must demonstrate a commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and effective management practices at all times.

Additional Information:

• The Energetics Operations Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the organization's compliance with explosives regulations while maintaining a safe and efficient operational environment. This authority role requires a high level of responsibility and accountability to direct management and policies relative to energetics operations.