Chief Operational Officer at Neon Aero

Aerospace is at a turning point — costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can't keep up. At Neon Aero, we're breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start-up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI-driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production.

Here, you won't just take a job — you'll help reinvent how the world flies. If you're ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact.

Neon Aero is redefining next-generation propulsion and aerospace systems through advanced engineering, precision manufacturing, and a commitment to operational excellence. With teams across Irvine, CA and Manchester, CT, Neon integrates cutting-edge design, rapid prototyping, and scaled production to bring breakthrough aviation technologies to market.

The Chief Operational Officer (COO) will serve as a critical partner to the CEO and executive team, leading company-wide operations, driving disciplined execution, and ensuring Neon's people, processes, and systems scale effectively.

Why This Role Matters:

The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for building and leading Neon's operational backbone—connecting engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, HR, finance, and program delivery into a cohesive, high-performing system. This role ensures day-to-day excellence while establishing long-term infrastructure that supports growth, certification, and commercialization.

The ideal candidate brings deep operational leadership experience in complex, multi-site environments; fluency in scaling manufacturing or engineering organizations; and a practical, hands-on leadership approach.

Operational Leadership

• Lead all company-wide operations across Irvine (R&D/engineering) and Manchester (Neon Propeller manufacturing) with a focus on safety, quality, schedule, and cost.
• Build scalable systems, workflows, and operating rhythms that connect engineering, production, supply chain, and program management.
• Establish KPIs, dashboards, and operating reviews that provide clarity, transparency, and accountability across the organization.
• Partner with CEO to drive strategic initiatives, long-range planning, and operational readiness for commercial growth.
  
  

Manufacturing & Production Excellence

• Oversee production planning, material flow, factory readiness, quality systems, and operational performance at Neon Propeller.
• Support build-outs, facility transitions, tooling and process development, and CM/PE partnerships.
• Ensure robust compliance and operational discipline aligned with aerospace, AS9100, and regulatory expectations.
  
  

Cross-Functional Alignment

• Work closely with Engineering, Human Capital, Finance, Supply Chain, and Program Directors to ensure operational goals are integrated and achievable.
• Support talent planning, workforce development, and leadership capability across operations teams.
• Drive company-wide communication norms and operating cadence ("tone at the top") that strengthen alignment and cohesion.
  
  

Scaling & Organizational Infrastructure

• Strengthen Neon's operating model, succession planning, managerial training, and performance management frameworks.
• Build systems for forecasting, resource allocation, budgeting, and vendor/partner management.
• Ensure remote-friendly processes and digital tools support a distributed workforce.
  
  

Risk, Quality, and Business Continuity

• Identify operational risks proactively and lead mitigation plans.
• Partner with CEO and CFO on financial discipline, cost management, ROI analysis, and scenario planning.
• Support the implementation of safety programs, compliance requirements, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  
  

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred (MBA or engineering/technical discipline); equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive operational leadership experience in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, mobility, robotics, autonomy, or similar complex engineering environments.
• Proven success leading multi-site operations and scaling organizations from early-stage to mature, structured systems.
• Strong background in production operations, supply chain, program execution, and cross-functional leadership.
• Experience building and developing high-performing teams across diverse technical functions.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-moving, high-ambiguity, founder-led environments.
• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, PMP, or similar disciplines are a plus.
• Builder mindset: able to design structure while rolling up sleeves to execute.
• Disciplined operator with a bias toward clarity, accountability, and measurable progress.
• Exceptional communication skills with a steady, grounded leadership presence.
• Ability to work effectively in a distributed workforce with frequent travel (20–40%).
• Comfortable partnering with engineering and technical leaders at a deep level.
  
  

Why Join Us:

• Ground-floor opportunity in a high-growth aerospace start-up.
• Direct impact on the future of aviation, aerospace, and defense.
• Competitive executive compensation, including equity participation, and full benefits package (health, vision, dental, 401k).
• A leadership seat at the table shaping the future of advanced aerospace complex systems development and manufacturing.
• A culture of innovation, speed, and collaboration — Silicon Valley mindset meets aerospace engineering.
  
  

This pay range is specific to the location where the role is posted. Final pay will depend on experience, skill level, and other job-related factors.

Location-Specific Pay Range

$350,000—$462,500 USD

Neon Aero, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

All final candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening as a condition of employment.

At this time, Neon Aero and its divisions are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies.