Project & Operations Manager (Defense)

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Project & Operations Manager (Defense) to oversee facility management, operational processes, project execution, and defense contract support. This role is both strategic and hands-on, ensuring that our infrastructure, workflows, and compliance programs are aligned with the stringent requirements of defense customers. The successful candidate will have a strong background in facility management, operations leadership, project management, and direct experience with defense contracts and proposal development.

What you’ll be doing:

• Project Management:
  • Lead cross-functional projects from initiation through completion, ensuring deliverables are met on time and within budget.
  • Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, and resource allocations for operational and defense-related initiatives.
  • Coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, compliance, and business development to manage dependencies and risks.
• Defense Contracts & Proposal Leadership
  • Serve as the operational and project lead for defense and government proposal efforts, contributing facility, compliance, and technical inputs.
  • Manage operational deliverables tied to defense contracts, including compliance audits, inspections, and reporting.
  • Ensure readiness of operations and facilities to support awarded contracts, including security clearances, ITAR requirements, and customer audits.
• Compliance & Security Oversight
  • Lead implementation of ITAR, DFARS/FAR, ISO, and other relevant standards across facilities and operations.
  • Maintain compliance documentation and serve as point-of-contact for operational audits.
  • Coordinate with legal, HR, and technical teams to ensure defense-related workforce and facility compliance.
• Facility, Operations & Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Lead all aspects of facility operations, including maintenance, safety, security, and vendor management.
  • Oversee equipment readiness, calibration schedules, and asset tracking systems.
  • Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to ensure operations align with technical and production needs.

What experience you’ll bring:

• 3-5 years of experience in operations, facilities, or technical program management.
• Direct experience with defense contracts and proposals, including FAR/DFARS and ITAR compliance.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with experience managing multi-stakeholder projects to successful completion.
• Strong technical and organizational background in high-tech, defense, aerospace, manufacturing or similarly regulated environments.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification (desirable).
• Experience scaling operations in a growth-stage company (desirable).
• Familiarity with ERP, EHS, or facility management systems (desirable).

Please note that due to the nature of the project base, you must hold US permanent residency and hold active security clearance, or eligibility to obtain it.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $140K - $180K and we are committed to equitable compensation across our company. Compensation also includes a generous equity stake. We handle our benefits through an annual reimbursement to give our employees greater flexibility with the plans that meet their needs. We offer a Flexible Paid Time Off policy and encourage people to take regular vacation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Irradiant Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team free from discrimination or harassment. We encourage candidates of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status to apply. Applicants with a disability are encouraged to contact us with any requests for accommodation.