Operations Excellence Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Celebrating over 50 years in the US, we remain a trusted government partner, leveraging world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor and fixed wing solutions to help our national security, defense and space focused customers meet their missions.
Airbus U.S. looks to employ a commitment driven team, dedicated to enabling our customer's mission success. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and a welcoming and engaging staff. With competitive compensation and superior employee benefits, as well as a commitment to fostering individual career growth, Airbus U.S. is the place where top talent wants to work.

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense is seeking an Operational Transformation & Program Excellence Manager to join our team in a dynamic, part-time capacity. This role is designed for a versatile leader capable of balancing long-term organizational maturation with the immediate, high stakes demands of a critical software development project.

Position Summary:

This role will be a key architect of operational transformation, bridging the gap between business needs and efficient workflows. In the near term, you will drive program excellence through rigorous performance tracking and data-driven decision support, ensuring Agile delivery milestones are met with precision.

Responsibilities:

Program Excellence & Software Controls (Immediate Priorities):

• Performance Analytics: Track and analyze key performance metrics; provide deep-dive analysis of project performance.
• Agile Milestone Tracking: Monitor project performance against schedule milestones, ensuring alignment between sprints, backlog progression, and overarching program goals.
• Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Oversight: Oversee the verification of software quality processes to ensure compliance with internal standards and project requirements.
• Resource & Manpower Planning: Lead the analysis of manpower needs, identifying specialized skill gaps and ensuring resource allocation matches development velocity.
• Execution Management: Drive action execution across cross-functional teams to resolve bottlenecks and maintain momentum.
• Ad Hoc Decision Support: Execute high-priority ad hoc tasks and synthesize complex project data into actionable insights to support leadership decision-making.

Operational Transformation & Quality (Long-Range Priorities)

• Process Documentation & Optimization: Manage, map, and continuously improve end-to-end business process documentation to ensure efficient, lean workflows.
• Quality Certification Leadership: Drive the journey toward achieving and maintaining ISO 9001 quality certification; conduct gap analyses and implement necessary QMS frameworks.
• Continuous Improvement (CI): Project manage high-impact CI initiatives using Airbus Operating System and Lean Manufacturing methodologies to enhance agility and efficiency.
• Organizational Transformation: Support organizational transformation by analyzing current states, designing change strategies, and building data-driven proposals to secure leadership approval and guide cross-functional implementation.
• Digital Transformation: Collaborate with IT and Business Operations to leverage automation tools, ensuring seamless integration of systems like ERP and CRM into daily operations.

Additional responsibilities:

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or another relevant field.

Certification(s):

• PMP, Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), Certified Scrum Master, Certified Lead Auditor, or CBPP credentials preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of increasing responsibility in Quality Compliance, Operations, and Project Management within the Aerospace and Defense industry.
• Quality & Compliance Expertise: Proven track record in overseeing software quality processes and ensuring adherence to established quality management frameworks.
• Financial Acumen: Experience with project controls (EAC/ETC).
• Quality Standards: Expertise in ISO 9001 and AS9100 regulatory frameworks, including risk management and configuration control.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

• Agile Proficiency: Familiarity with Agile methodologies, including tracking velocity, sprint health, and iterative delivery schedules.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Strong ability to influence without authority and lead technical teams toward organizational milestones.
• Analytical Rigor: Ability to translate complex technical and financial data into clear, accessible business processes and reports.
• Agility: A proactive problem-solver comfortable pivoting between strategic operational transformation and tactical program excellence support.

Technical Systems Proficiency:

• Proficiency in Deltek Costpoint ERP, Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, and Salesforce.

Travel Required:

• Up to 30% travel required.

Eligibility:

• U.S. Citizenship required.

Clearance:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Active DoD security clearance.

Physical Requirements:

• Carrying: able to carry documents and/or electronic equipment up to 20lbs/9kg.
• Lifting: able to lift documents and/or electronic equipment up to 20lbs/9kg.
• Pushing/Pulling: able to push/pull items in office areas.
• Sitting: able to sit for extended periods of time at computer and in meetings.
• Squatting/Kneeling: able to occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items shelved on bottom shelves.
• Standing: able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice.
• Walking: able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces.

Equal Opportunity:

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status.

As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

By submitting your resume or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to HR@airbusus.com.

Company Website: www.airbusus.com