Job Description

Job Title: Operations Manager

Location: Mountain View, CA

Company Overview:

Nikira Labs is a leader in advanced optical-spectroscopy instrumentation, developing next-generation analyzers for trace gas detection. We are delivering cutting-edge, cavity-enhanced and multi-pass-cell-based sensors for rapid detection of life gas and toxic industrial chemicals in support of DoD missions. We combine deep expertise in physics, engineering, and data science to bring robust, field-ready technology from lab to deployment. Joining our team means working at the intersection of science, engineering, and national security—where your contributions directly impact real-world missions and help shape the future of advanced sensing technology.

Summary:

The Operations Manager is a critical role responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing projects that directly impact the efficiency, quality, and effectiveness of the company's daily business operations. The primary goal is to deliver products that meet quality, time and resources requirements. This role focuses on driving process improvements, system implementations, and change initiatives to ensure operational excellence and alignment with strategic business goals.

Looking ahead, this role also offers the opportunity to help build and shape the production team itself, establishing best practices and scalable processes as we expand. The Operations Manager will have significant influence over how production goals are achieved, ensuring quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while positioning the organization for growth in future defense-sector programs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Management & Execution

• Lead the full project lifecycle for assigned operational initiatives, including supervising day-to-day operations across departments to ensure smooth and efficient workflow. Implement process optimization, supply chain enhancements, system implementations (PLM), and new product introduction (NPI) processes.
• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans , including tasks, resources, budgets, and realistic timelines.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to ensure flawless execution and on-time delivery of projects within budget and scope.
• Monitor and track project progress against the plan, identifying and managing critical path activities.

2. Process Improvement & Optimization

• Conduct comprehensive analyses of existing operational workflows (e.g., logistics, inventory, manufacturing, back-office administration) to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Design, implement, and document new or improved operational processes that are scalable, cost-effective, and meet compliance standards.
• Apply methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement principles to drive sustainable change.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the success and impact of all operational projects.

3. Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all project-related communications, providing timely and transparent updates to stakeholders, including executive leadership.
• Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration between departments (e.g., IT, Finance, Sales, Manufacturing) to ensure project alignment and resource availability.
• Proactively manage risks, issues, and change requests , escalating when necessary and developing mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.

4. Financial & Resource Management

• Develop, manage, and forecast project budgets , tracking expenditures and reporting variances to management.
• Manage resource allocation for projects, ensuring teams are adequately staffed and priorities are clearly defined.
• Oversee vendor and contractor relationships for project-related services and software implementations.

Qualifications:

Required

• Work Authorization – Must be a U.S. citizen to meet requirements for working on DoD contracts.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Project Management, or a related field.
• Experience: 8 years of experience in project management, with a minimum of 5 years focused specifically on operations or process improvement.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in project management software (Asana) and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel for analysis and data interpretation).

Preferred

• Certification: Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt).
• Industry Experience: Experience in Instrument Manufacturing.
• Systems Knowledge: Previous experience with Windchill, Arena, Asana.
• Defense & Aerospace Background : Prior experience in defense or aerospace, with familiarity in DoD contract requirements

Skills and Competencies:

• Exceptional Leadership: Proven ability to lead and motivate project teams without formal authority, fostering a collaborative and accountable environment.
• Superior Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex information clearly to both technical teams and executive audiences.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills with a data-driven approach to identifying operational problems and developing practical, scalable solutions.
• Risk Management: Adept at identifying potential project risks, developing mitigation plans, and managing unexpected changes effectively.
• Organizational Mastery: Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently.

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