Director, Execution Operations

About the role

The Director, Execution Operations is the SVP's deputy and partner in running Mission Execution. You are responsible for the operational integrity and execution of the organization's highest priorities, and your central mission is to drive operational excellence and organizational maturity across the org — ensuring it scales effectively and integrates seamlessly with the rest of the company.

Mission Execution is Muon's second-largest organization, newly formed from four groups — Mission Engineering, hardware and electrical engineering, production (AI&T and supply chain), and the acquired Starlight Propulsion team — and it is standing up a new integrated product team (IPT) operating model while growing quickly. You will be a trusted advisor to the SVP, translating vision into concrete outcomes, leading high-impact initiatives, and building the operating systems that let the organization run many complex programs at once — freeing the SVP to focus on long-term technical strategy and cross-company leadership.

It's a great fit for someone who blends strong operational execution with enough technical depth to challenge engineering assumptions, and who is energized by ambiguous, high-impact problems that don't yet have an owner.

This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.

What you'll do

Your work spans two personas: the Operator (~75%), focused on execution and process, and the Ambassador (~25%), focused on stakeholders and communication.

The Operator — driving operational excellence (~75%)

Operating cadence: Design, implement, and own the operating rhythm for the Mission Execution leadership team — weekly business reviews, milestone tracking, and strategic planning sessions — and mature the decision-making frameworks behind them.

Strategic execution (OKRs): Lead the Mission Execution OKR process from planning through execution, keeping technical milestones and organizational objectives aligned with company-wide goals and rigorously tracked.

Scalable systems: Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks, and build the tools, workflows, and processes required to run multiple complex programs concurrently in the new operating model.

Special projects: Spearhead high-impact, ambiguous initiatives that don't have a natural home — organizational design, capacity and staffing planning, vendor and tooling strategy, and the like.

The Ambassador — managing stakeholders & communication (~25%)

Strategic proxy: Act as the SVP's proxy in key meetings; manage relationships with cross-functional leaders and keep Mission Execution aligned with the rest of the company.

Executive communications: Synthesize complex technical updates into compelling narratives for all-hands meetings, board and leadership decks, and internal memos.

Culture champion: Partner with the SVP to protect and amplify the engineering culture, and ensure Muon's mission, vision, and values are understood and embodied across Mission Execution.

What you'll bring

Required

10+ years in demanding roles such as engineering program management, business operations in a technical environment, or management consulting focused on technology/hardware companies.

Technical depth to critically evaluate engineering roadmaps and challenge assumptions — you understand system dependencies, technical debt, and the trade-offs between speed and scalability, and can translate "engineering-speak" into strategic business logic without losing the technical nuance.

Proven ability to translate high-level strategy into scalable, repeatable processes and lead complex technical initiatives to completion with measurable results.

Operational acumen — a strategic thinker who can diagnose complex operational challenges and build the systems and infrastructure needed for growth.

High emotional intelligence and a demonstrated track record of influencing without direct authority, acting as a trusted advisor to senior technical leaders.

Outstanding communication — able to convey complex technical and strategic concepts to stakeholders at all levels, from engineers to executives.

Desired

Experience in aerospace, satellite, or another complex hardware environment.

Experience scaling an organization through rapid growth and/or integrating an acquisition.

Familiarity with OKRs, leadership operating cadences, and program/portfolio management.

Prior experience as a deputy, chief of staff, or comparable force-multiplier to a senior leader at a scaling company.

What success looks like in the first year

SVP time reallocated: the SVP's time has measurably shifted away from internal, day-to-day operations and toward long-term technical strategy, architecture, and developing key talent.

Initiative velocity: strategic projects and process improvements driven by this role complete on time.

OKR achievement: Mission Execution's achievement rate against its quarterly and annual OKRs improves, reflecting better alignment and execution.

Team alignment & engagement: engagement improves — particularly on strategic clarity, confidence in leadership, and operational efficiency.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $233,000 - $262,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.