Director of Operations at Waseyabek Development Company – Muskegon, Michigan

Director of Operations

Manufacturing Center of Excellence (MCOE)
Baker Engineering – Muskegon, Michigan

About Baker Engineering

Baker Engineering is a West Michigan-based engineering and manufacturing company with more than 60 years of heritage in power and propulsion development. The company serves customers in defense, mobility, and advanced manufacturing by developing and producing mission-critical hardware and technologies.

Baker recently established a Manufacturing Center of Excellence (MCOE) in Muskegon, Michigan to scale precision CNC machining and hardware production in support of aerospace, defense, and advanced mobility programs.

The Director of Operations will play a critical leadership role in scaling the MCOE into a high-performance scalable manufacturing organization capable of supporting advanced engineering programs and high-reliability hardware production.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Operations is responsible for the overall operational performance of Baker Engineering’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence. This role leads daily manufacturing operations, production planning, quality execution, supply chain coordination, and workforce development to ensure on-time delivery, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.

This leader will drive the transformation of the facility into a high-performing aerospace and defense manufacturing operation capable of supporting complex development programs and scaling into production.

The Director of Operations will report directly to the President and work closely with engineering, program management, and business development leadership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Operational Leadership

• Lead all day-to-day operations of the Manufacturing Center of Excellence including machining, assembly, quality, and materials.
• Ensure reliable execution of production schedules while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
• Establish clear accountability and performance expectations across operations leadership.

Production Execution

• Oversee production planning and scheduling to ensure on-time delivery to customers.
• Manage capacity planning, equipment utilization, and workforce deployment.
• Coordinate closely with engineering and program teams to support prototype and production builds.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with AS9100 and ISO9001 quality systems.
• Partner with the quality organization to ensure process discipline and product conformity.
• Drive root cause corrective action and continuous improvement initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Implement lean manufacturing principles to improve throughput, reduce waste, and optimize processes.
• Establish operational KPIs and performance dashboards for production, quality, and delivery.
• Lead initiatives to improve cycle time, reduce scrap, and increase machine utilization.

Team Development

• Lead and develop operations managers, supervisors, and production personnel.
• Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and operational excellence.
• Support workforce development and training initiatives.

Strategic Growth Support

• Support scaling of the MCOE as Baker grows in defense and advanced manufacturing programs.
• Collaborate with engineering leadership on manufacturability and new product introductions.
• Support capital equipment planning and facility growth.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience
• Experience leading CNC machining or precision manufacturing operations
• Strong operational leadership in production environments
• Experience implementing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Leadership traits:
  • Hands-on operational leadership
  • Strong decision making and accountability
  • Ability to drive performance through teams
  • Structured problem solving
  • Clear communicator across technical and operational teams

• Must be able to support the Baker culture of high-performance, results orientation, and a focus on teamwork.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen
• Ability to pass a background investigation
• United States Citizenship / ITAR compliance required by contract

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing experience
• Experience operating within AS9100 / ISO9001 environments
• Experience scaling manufacturing operations
• Background in prototype-to-production manufacturing environments

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods
• Ability to focus on computer screens for extended periods
• Ability to walk frequently
• Lift and carry moderate weights
• Reach and bend

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is split between office and CNC machining shop floor environments.

POSITION TYPE

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position.

DISCLAIMER

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Native American & Veteran Hiring Preferences will be applied in accordance with Waséyabek Development Company policy. We are committed to making merit-based hiring decisions. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, height or weight, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.