Chief Operating Officer (Aerospace Systems)
About the Role
Monarch Space Systems seeks a Chief Operating Officer to lead institutional execution, program delivery, and organizational scaling across aerospace and space systems programs. The COO will serve as the principal architect of the firm's Contract Surge & Institutional Ramp Framework, responsible for translating mission strategy into operational reality across engineering services programs, quality systems, prime contractor integration, and facilities. This is a direct report to the Founder & CEO with equity participation and long-term incentive eligibility. Primary location is Cleveland, Ohio.
Responsibilities
- Lead all day-to-day operational functions including aerospace program execution, workforce deployment, and quality systems
- Own and evolve the Contract Surge Model — managing institutional scaling from award through stabilization across 0–180 day ramp timelines
- Direct prime contractor integration posture including FAR/DFARS compliance, CDRL management, and configuration control for space systems programs
- Oversee facilities planning and coordination across operational and planned infrastructure
- Lead quality management system development aligned with ISO 9001:2015 and CMMI maturity principles
- Build and lead program management office (PMO) infrastructure for multi-program portfolio management
- Partner with CFO on earned value management and contract financial performance
- Coordinate workforce surge planning, institutional onboarding, and knowledge management activation
- Oversee subcontractor mobilization, governance, and performance management
- Serve as primary interface for government oversight, audit preparation, and regulatory compliance operations
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
- 15+ years of progressive operations leadership in aerospace, defense, or advanced technology
- Demonstrated experience scaling federal contract programs — managing surge from award through sustained performance
- Deep knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, CMMC, and federal program execution requirements
- Experience building and leading program management offices (PMOs) in government contractor environments
- U.S. citizenship required; active or clearance-eligible strongly preferred
The qualifications above describe the ideal candidate profile for this position — not an inflexible checklist. Monarch Space Systems evaluates the whole of a candidate's experience, judgment, and mission alignment, and welcomes a conversation with individuals of exceptional ability whose backgrounds differ from the profile in some respects. If you believe you can contribute at the level this role demands, we encourage you to apply or to initiate a confidential inquiry through the Careers Portal. Certain criteria — including U.S. citizenship and export-control (ITAR/EAR) eligibility, where stated — are legal mandates and cannot be waived.
This role references security clearance eligibility. Understand what that means, and how clearance and federal site badging work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience as COO, VP Operations, or Deputy Program Manager at a prime aerospace or defense contractor
- Familiarity with EVMS, ANSI-748, and earned value contract management
- Track record building quality management systems for ISO or CMMI certification
- Experience managing multi-site or distributed engineering teams under federal contracts
This position may require eligibility to access controlled or proprietary information and may be subject to confidentiality and employment agreements, including an NDA and role-specific restrictive covenants, in accordance with applicable laws.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off, federal holidays, and personal leave
- Professional development and continuing education support
- Downtown Cleveland parking or transit subsidy
- Collaborative, mission-driven institutional culture
- Executive compensation package including long-term incentive structure and potential equity participation
- Direct strategic influence over institutional architecture and execution model
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