Director, Business Operations

About the Company

Canopy Aerospace & Defense focuses on advancing specialty materials for space, defense, and maritime applications. The company supports customers from early concept work through long-term sustainment, with solutions designed to improve platform speed, thermal performance, and acoustic signature. Its adaptive manufacturing and signal attenuation capabilities are built to keep pace with rapidly changing mission needs.

Role Summary

The Director, Business Operations will serve as a senior leader responsible for how the platform operates across the business. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, this position oversees operational execution across the platform, corporate performance reporting, M&A integration, and the creation of a consistent operating model that supports growth across the operating companies. This is a highly visible position with frequent engagement with executive leadership. The role calls for someone who is comfortable working through ambiguity and can independently drive several complex cross-functional initiatives from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities

• Design platform-wide systems and workflows that create a standardized operating model across Hera, MSM, and Canopy Technologies.
• Take ownership of corporate metrics and manage monthly and quarterly reporting across the platform.
• Drive operational integration for acquisitions, including ERP rollout and the consolidation of systems and processes.
• Lead strategic initiatives and operational programs that support scale and growth.
• Develop, implement, and roll out standard operating procedures across all operating companies.
• Oversee platform investments and monitor the return generated by active initiatives.
• Guide platform and company leaders on ways to improve efficiency while operating with leaner resources.

Required Background

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or another related technical discipline, along with 7 to 10 years of experience in program management, operations, engineering, or management consulting. Experience in a highly regulated manufacturing environment is preferred. The role also requires the ability to coordinate 6 to 8 workstreams at the same time, advanced familiarity with AI tools, working knowledge of ERP platforms, and strong proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel. Applicants should also have experience preparing materials for and presenting directly to executive teams and investors.

Preferred Background

An MBA or a master’s degree in Business, Engineering Management, Operations, or a related technical field is preferred. Additional value will be placed on experience in startup, private-equity-backed, or high-growth manufacturing settings where systems and processes are still evolving. Experience supporting or leading M&A integration, including alignment of systems and processes across acquired businesses, is also highly desirable. Familiarity with aerospace and defense or other regulated industries such as AS9100 and ITAR/EAR is an advantage.

Job Details

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position based in Irvine, CA, and requires on-site presence. The base salary range is $160,000 to $180,000. Working hours are centered around core business hours. Travel will be required as needed to different company facilities.

Additional Requirements

• Must be prepared to work extended hours and weekends when business-critical deadlines demand it.
• Must be willing to travel to other Canopy Aerospace & Defense locations as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation package includes a comprehensive set of benefits, such as company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, retirement plan participation where eligible, paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays, and discretionary bonuses. Actual base pay will be determined individually based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Export Control Eligibility

To comply with U.S. export regulations, applicants must be one of the following: a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or someone eligible to obtain the necessary authorization from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity

Canopy Aerospace & Defense is committed to hiring based on merit, competence, and qualifications. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin or ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected status.

Recruitment Technology Notice

The company may use artificial intelligence tools during parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or identifying possible inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials. These tools support the recruitment team and do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are made by people. Candidates may contact the company for more information about data processing.