Vice President of Operations

Vice President of Operations

Broomfield, CO (on-site)

Full Time (salaried)

Company Overview:

Raven Space Systems (Raven) is a venture-backed startup with active government programs and strong commercial momentum, helping revitalize the industrial base by developing breakthroughs in automated manufacturing to build factories of the future and enable the US to compete globally. To meet this critical need, Raven is building breakthrough composite 3D printing smart factories for thermal protection, lightweight structures, and more for aerospace and defense. Our Microwave Assisted Deposition (MAD) innovation unlocks scalable 3D printing of highly tailorable, commercial-off-the-shelf thermoset and ceramic composite materials for the first time. The technology is based on Direct Ink Write (DIW), the most versatile additive manufacturing technology, which utilizes the highest-performance materials. However, DIW has been stuck in the lab for over 20 years due to its inability to 3D print full-scale composite parts. Raven’s MAD 3D printing factories bring DIW to full-scale production of parts and systems. Our technology stack leverages MAD 3D printing, real-time monitoring and controls, and data-driven learning to deploy the most efficient and versatile advanced manufacturing factories. Our mission is to transform composite manufacturing to alleviate critical supply chain bottlenecks and accelerate innovation.

Position Overview:

A Vice President of Operations at Raven will work directly with the CEO to manage execution, drive throughput, and optimize how next-gen aerospace components are delivered. This is a pivotal opportunity to shape a high-performance production environment rooted in breakthrough 3D printing technology, advanced materials, and digital manufacturing architecture. The ideal candidate has a background in hardware manufacturing, preferably in aerospace, defense, composites, or complex systems, and is eager to build from the ground up.

Job Duties:

• Own end-to-end operations across production, post-processing, quality, and logistics for flight-grade composite components
• Design and implement scalable systems to accelerate materials processing, printing, post-print operations, and enable smart-factory throughput
• Lead the deployment of new tools, fixtures, and manufacturing hardware in support of growing order volumes
• Partner closely with R&D to translate novel materials and designs into efficient, repeatable manufacturing processes
• Build and manage multidisciplinary teams supporting factory operations and infrastructure
• Use first-principles thinking and real-time data to uncover inefficiencies and drive performance gains
• Collaborate with software, mechanical, and materials engineers to co-develop integrated factory solutions
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ITAR, OSHA/EHS standards, and quality control benchmarks
• Play a key leadership role in facility buildout, production line launch, day-to-day manufacturing oversight, and other business operations

Qualifications (most should be met):

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or a closely related technical field
• 6+ years of experience in production, factory operations, or hardware manufacturing roles
• Strong understanding of high-performance composite materials and/or complex fabrication workflows
• Experience scaling factory systems or deploying new lines in high-complexity environments
• Familiarity with resin materials mixing, 3D printing, and post-processing techniques (e.g., curing, machining, inspection, etc.)
• ERP/MRP system (e.g., Odoo) proficiency and experience using operational metrics for decision-making
• Demonstrated leadership managing technical teams and cross-functional programs

Preferred Experience (not required & still apply if you don’t meet any of these):

• 10+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing or hardware operations leadership
• Experience launching or expanding smart factories, including automation and integration of digital systems
• Background in composite or metal additive manufacturing or related technologies
• Familiarity with thermal protection systems, lightweight structures, or propulsion systems manufacturing
• Exposure to infrastructure systems including power, gas, material logistics, and safety compliance
• Strong Excel/data analysis capabilities and comfort with factory modeling or capacity planning
• Knowledge of aerospace-grade thermoset or ceramic composite systems like carbon fiber, epoxy, phenolics, aqueous ceramics, carbon-carbon, etc.

Why Join Us

• Help lead a transformative manufacturing company with real-world impact across aerospace and defense
• Work directly with the founding team to shape operations from the ground up
• Be part of a mission-focused team redefining how aerospace systems are designed and built
• Early-stage equity opportunity with high-growth potential
• Modern factory infrastructure, automation integration, and a first-of-its-kind additive manufacturing platform innovation
• Career advancement and leadership growth

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay range: $130,000 - $200,000 + stock options
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• 401(k) matching
• Comprehensive family medical, vision, and dental coverage

Additional Information:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

The annual base salary is determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, and abilities of the candidate.

Raven provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Apply Today:

If you feel you’re qualified for the role, but don’t perfectly meet the requirements or preferred qualification, please apply! We value passion over directly aligned skillsets.