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Operations Manager Defense Aerospace information

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How much do operations manager defense aerospace jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations manager defense aerospace in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an operations manager in defense aerospace do?

An Operations Manager in Defense Aerospace oversees the daily operations of manufacturing, production, and logistics within organizations that supply products or services to the defense and aerospace sectors. They are responsible for optimizing processes, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, managing teams, and meeting project deadlines and quality standards. This role often involves coordinating between engineering, production, and quality assurance departments, as well as liaising with government or military clients to ensure contract requirements are met. Effective operations managers must balance efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance in a highly technical and often secure environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations manager in defense aerospace?

To thrive as an Operations Manager in Defense Aerospace, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering or business management, experience in operations oversight, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with ERP systems like SAP, Lean Six Sigma certification, and compliance with defense industry regulations are typically required. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and complex projects. These competencies ensure rigorous operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and successful delivery of critical aerospace projects.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by an operations manager in defense aerospace?

An Operations Manager in defense aerospace often navigates complex regulatory requirements, strict quality standards, and highly sensitive project timelines. Coordinating between engineering, manufacturing, and compliance teams requires strong communication and problem-solving skills, especially when handling classified or export-controlled materials. Additionally, adapting to rapidly evolving technology and ensuring the workforce is up-to-date with training are ongoing challenges. Successful managers foster collaboration and maintain robust processes to meet client and government expectations while supporting operational efficiency.

What states have the most Operations Manager Defense Aerospace jobs?

States with the most job openings for Operations Manager Defense Aerospace jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Operations Manager Defense Aerospace jobs?

For Operations Manager Defense Aerospace jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Operations Manager Defense Aerospace job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Senior Business Development Manager - Defense & Aerospace

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Knight Aerospace Careers
See more jobs at Knight Aerospace Careersexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Identify and pursue business opportunities through USG domestic and international government channels and strategic OEM partnerships.

  • Lead the development, submission, and management of proposals and contracts, ensuring compliance with military specifications and regulations.

  • Coordinate technical and operational aspects of proposals and contracts using SME insights and maintain effective communication with partners and clients.

Job description

Description:

   

At Knight Aerospace, we offer more than a paycheck—we provide a rewarding career with competitive compensation and valuable benefits designed to support your success.

  • Competitive Pay
  • Overtime Opportunities
  • Affordable Medical Coverage
  • Company-Paid Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Generous PTO Program
  • Paid Holidays
  • Performance-Based Bonus Opportunities

Join a team that values innovation, excellence, and the people who make it all possible.

The Senior Business Development Manager is responsible for driving growth in the Company’s share of defense, government, OEM, and international aerospace and logistics opportunities. These will include leverages expertise in DoD acquisition processes to identify and capitalize opportunities, manage proposals, and administer contracts. The Senior Business Development Manager will represent the Company and its values and will ensure that the expectations of the Company’s customers are exceeded by performing the following: 


Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Identify and pursue direct and indirect business opportunities through USG domestic and/or international government channels and strategic partnerships with major OEMs (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Standard Aero).
  2. Lead the development and submission of competitive proposals, ensuring clear articulation of solutions and compliance with relevant military specifications (MIL-SPECs). 
  3. Incorporate Air Transportation SME input to validate operational feasibility and technical accuracy of proposed solutions.
  4. Maintain accurate business development and sales data within the Company’s CRM system.
  5. Conduct thorough market research and analysis of DoD/MoD logistics and aerospace requirements to support proposal and contract development. 
  6. Utilize Air Transportation SME insights to identify key trends and emerging needs within the cargo aircraft and logistics domain.
  7. Develop and execute contract strategies, including pricing discussions, timeline management, and deliverable definition.
  8. Leverage Air Transportation SME knowledge to ensure contract terms align with operational realities and technical requirements.
  9. Draft and review contractual provisions, ensuring compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations.
  10. Serve as a subject matter expert during contract negotiations, advocating for the Company’s interests while meeting client needs. 
  11. Utilize Air Transportation SME expertise to address technical and operational questions during negotiations.
  12. Maintain effective communication with business partners and government clients, ensuring timely information exchange and issue resolution.
  13. Prepare quotes for smaller opportunities and related equipment.
  14. Contribute to website and social media updates, highlighting the Company’s capabilities and achievements. 
  15. Ensure marketing materials accurately represent the Company’s expertise in air transportation solutions, potentially with SME contribution.
  16. Coordinate travel and logistics for industry conferences and events. 
  17. Facilitate SME participation in relevant conferences and events to enhance the Company’s technical credibility.

General Expectations: 

1. Written and verbal communication skills.

2. Analytical and problem-solving skills.

3. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

4. Experience within the defense and/or aerospace industry. 

5. Prior military service, particularly involving air mobility, cargo aircraft, logistics, or aviation operations. 

6. Experience supporting U.S. Government, foreign military, OEM, or commercial aerospace customers. 

7. Familiarity with FAR/DFARS and government acquisition processes is beneficial but not required. 

8. Existing relationships within the defense or aerospace community are a plus. 

9. Works well in a “team” environment. 

10. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in business or related program. MBA a plus. 

2. Minimum of 5 years of US government business development experience.

3. Computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite and CRM platforms.

4. Prior military, aerospace, aviation experience a plus.


Work Environment Requirements:

1. Full-Time Position.

Domestic travel and occasional international travel required.