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Job description
Work with cutting-edge AI technology that helps make the world a safer and more secure place. DroneShield (ASX:DRO) develops market-leading counter-drone solutions used by military organisations, government agencies, airports, critical infrastructure operators, and law enforcement operating in some of the most challenging and high-stakes environments in the world. Employees work at the forefront of innovation, solving complex technical problems and delivering mission-critical capabilities where performance, reliability, and speed matter.
As an ASX200-listed company and the world's only publicly listed pure-play counter-drone business, DroneShield is experiencing rapid growth. Revenue increased from A$57 million in 2024 to more than A$217 million in 2025, supported by record profitability, a global sales pipeline exceeding A$2.5 billion, and annual R&D investment of over A$50 million.
Since 2017, DroneShield has grown from 11 employees to more than 550 globally, with operations across Australia, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, supporting customers in over 70 countries.
DroneShield's U.S. headquarters in Warrenton, Virginia, supports American customers through locally based R&D, sales, customer support, and engagement with defence and security stakeholders.
About the role
The Operations Director – USA is accountable for building and running a field-first, delivery-driven operations engine that enables rapid, reliable demonstrations, deployments, and customer outcomes at scale.
This role is not a traditional back-office operations function. It is a front-line execution leadership role, directly responsible for:
Winning and enabling customer outcomes through demos and deployments
Delivering projects and defense programs with predictability and speed
Building a high-velocity field operations capability across the U.S.
The role ensures operations is a commercial enabler, not a constraint—shifting the organization from reactive execution to planned, repeatable delivery systems.
Responsibilities, Duties and Expectations
Field Operations, Demos & Deployments
Own and lead a world-class field execution engine across the U.S.
Accountability
All demonstrations, trials, installations, and field support
Key Outcomes
50% reduction in demo and mobilisation time
Consistent, repeatable demo execution across all regions
Improved first-time fix rate (>20%)
Standardised deployment models and field playbooks
Seamless coordination of assets, people, and sites
Project Delivery
In concert with the Global Head of PMO, build and lead a disciplined, scalable project delivery engine.
Accountability
Local management of Project Managers to ensure priorities are met
Local coordination of all programs, demonstrations, installations, and complex deliveries
Key Outcomes
85% of projects delivered on time and on budget
Strong front-end planning replacing downstream recovery
Clear ownership across all deployments and programs
Reduced execution risk in complex defence and customer programs
Establish and operationalise U.S. test sites as core revenue-enabling assets.
Accountability
Site establishment, readiness, and integration into planning
Ensure test sites are always ready, available, and utilised
Key Outcomes
Fully operational regional test sites
Sites integrated into scheduling rather than reactive bookings
Reduced setup time and increased utilisation
Warehouse & Inventory
Key Outcomes
98% inventory accuracy
98% kitting accuracy for demonstrations, projects, and field operations
Materials always ready for deployment, not just manufacturing
Warehouse flow aligned to field demand and project schedules
Facilities & Field Infrastructure
Ensure facilities enable, rather than constrain, field delivery and growth.
Key Outcomes
Facilities ready ahead of demand (>90%)
Infrastructure supports field operations, inventory, and demonstration capability
No delays due to lack of space, tools, or readiness
Health, Safety & Operational Assurance
Embed safe, compliant field execution at speed.
Key Outcomes
Zero major safety or compliance incidents
Safety embedded into field, demo, and deployment processes
Strong leading indicators and proactive risk mitigation
Qualifications, Experience and Skills
Senior leadership experience in Engineering, Operations, Project Management or similar.
Background in defence, aerospace, or highly regulated high‑tech manufacturing
Proven experience operating in global, multi‑site environments
Engineering or technical qualifications preferred
Customer-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
Relevant tertiary qualification in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain or Business (desirable)
Note for recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters unless specifically instructed.
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Worksite address
warrenton, VA, 22186, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.