Operations Director Jobs in California, MD (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Director of Operations – Pax River
Location: Patuxent River, MD
Clearance: Active Top Secret (Required)
Salary Range: $175,000 – $220,000 About the Role:
As the Director of PAX Operations, you will be responsible for leading, growing, managing, and optimizing the day-to-day operational activities of active and future contracts across Fusion 2 Inc., in the Patuxent River, Maryland area in support of mission-critical defense programs. This role requires a strong command of contract execution and strategic planning to ensure people, programs, and processes are aligned to deliver high-quality results in a secure, fast-paced environment. You will work closely with executive leadership, contract, human resources, site leads, government stakeholders, and individual teams to drive operational excellence, ensure compliance, and scale capabilities effectively. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in complex environments, enjoys solving organizational challenges, and excels at turning strategy into action. What You’ll Do:
• Lead & Execute: Oversee site leads contract operations to ensure contracts and subcontracts are executed efficiently, on schedule, and within contractual bounds.
• Optimize Processes: Develop, refine, and implement operational processes, policies, and best practices to improve performance and scalability within the PAX River Area.
• Collaborate & Align: Partner with executive leadership, site leads, and team members to align operational execution with strategic goals.
• Resource Management: Manage staffing, workforce planning, and resource allocation to support current and future program needs.
• Risk & Compliance: Ensure operational compliance with government regulations, security requirements, and contractual obligations. Key Responsibilities:
• Provide operational leadership across multiple contracts supporting U.S. Navy and DoW customers.
• Engage with Government Stakeholders, Prime Contractors, and Subcontractors to ensure Fusion 2 Inc. operations are meeting or exceeding expectations. Take action to align expectations if required.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational effectiveness and contract health.
• Oversee contracts execution, including coordination with finance, Contracts, HR, and site lead teams.
• Support proposal development and transition of new contract awards into execution.
• Lead operational planning efforts, including budgets, schedules, and staffing forecasts.
• Support HR in position description development, recruiting and interviewing of candidates.
• Facilitate leadership meetings, operational reviews, and readiness assessments. What You’ll Bring to the Team:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, program management, or defense contracting environments.
• Leadership Expertise: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• Operational Acumen: Strong background in process improvement, organizational scaling, and operational planning.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief senior leadership and government stakeholders.
• Security: Direct experience supporting classified DoW or U.S. Navy programs requiring Top Secret clearance. Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience operating within small to mid-sized defense contractors.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS, government contracting, and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in growing and maturing operational organizations.
• A balance of strategic thinking, hands-on execution, and people leadership. Why Join Us?
As the Director of Operations – Pax River with Fusion 2, Inc., you will play a critical role in shaping how the organization operates and grows. Your leadership will directly impact the success of high-priority defense programs and the professionals who deliver them. Join a small, agile company where your leadership helps drive mission success. Benefits
We are committed to providing our employees with a competitive benefits package designed to promote health, well-being, and financial security. At Fusion 2, Inc., we encourage a healthy work-life balance and offer flexibility to help you thrive both professionally and personally. Our benefits include:
• Comprehensive Health Care: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Retirement Plan: Automatic Safe Harbor Contribution to your retirement plan.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays: Generous PTO and paid holidays to help you recharge.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Flexibility to support your work-life balance.
• Disability Coverage: Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage.
• Workers' Compensation: Full coverage for workplace injuries