Operations Manager - Additive Manufacturing

CoAspire (https://www.coaspire.com) is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over twelve years of a legacy of innovation, we're at the forefront of building reliable, affordable mass weapons that protect and empower our nation’s warfighters. Our tight-knit team thrives in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, and work-life balance come first. Join us to make a tangible impact on mission-critical technology!

Position: You will serve as the on-site Operations Manager responsible for oversight and leadership of additive manufacturing technicians, operators, and related production roles. This role monitors daily additive manufacturing operations - including machine setup and operation, build preparation, post-processing, inspection, and throughput - while ensuring schedule adherence, regulatory compliance, and the highest standards of safety and quality in a defense manufacturing environment. You will provide clear direction, documentation, reporting, and team leadership to deliver mission-critical components.

Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day management of all additive manufacturing operations and personnel.
• Follow programmatic schedules and monitor resources to ensure cost, timeline, and technical performance align with company and customer requirements.
• Participate in programmatic reviews and drive process improvements as additive manufacturing capabilities mature.
• Oversee compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including routine audits, inspections, and adherence to company and customer specifications.
• Facilitate regular stakeholder communications to track production milestones and resolve operational challenges.
• Support and provide necessary documentation for supply chain management, contracting, performance metrics, and production reporting on an as-needed basis.
• Mentor and develop additive manufacturing technicians and operators, ensuring proper training, work instruction adherence, and continuous skill growth.
• Coordinate machine utilization, maintenance scheduling (in partnership with maintenance teams), material inventory, and workflow to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of production supervision experience in manufacturing environments, preferably defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or additive manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related field (or equivalent military/DoW experience).
• Strong skills in production scheduling, metrics tracking, and reporting (e.g., Excel, ERP/MRP systems).
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance (or the ability to obtain a clearance).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills in production and/or government-regulated environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams of technicians and operators in a fast-paced, high-reliability manufacturing setting.

Desired Skills:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent military/DoW experience).
• Hands-on or supervisory experience with additive manufacturing processes (metal or polymer powder-bed fusion, directed energy deposition, or similar).
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing quality standards, process controls, and post-processing workflows.

What We Offer:

Beyond competitive pay, we offer:

• Full benefits from day one: medical, dental and vision
• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting
• PTO and Federal holidays

This position pays $120,000 -$150,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications.

Apply now! We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Let's build the future together. No agencies, please.

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