Director of Cryogenic Propellant Test Operations

At Barber-Nichols (BN), we partner with innovators across Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics, and Energy. As Director of Cryogenic Propellant Test Operations, you’ll own the daily rhythm of a complex test facility supporting flow testing, qualification, and development for space, energy, and defense programs. Your focus: impeccable safety, flawless execution, and continual improvement across LOX, LH2, LN2, and methane (LCH4) systems., You begin with a safety brief and readiness check. You review today’s propulsion and flow test plans, confirm instrumentation health, validate configuration and procedures, and ensure resources are staged. During execution, you oversee the team, monitor data acquisition and controls, troubleshoot fluid/thermal anomalies, and drive disciplined post-test reviews to elevate throughput, reliability, and data quality., * Operational leadership of a cryogenic propellant test facility-scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation to meet program commitments.

• Safe, reliable, repeatable execution of cryogenic flow and propulsion-related test programs.
• Facility readiness across storage, transfer, conditioning, and control systems; test stands; instrumentation; controls; DAQ; and supporting utilities.
• Continuous improvement initiatives that raise test throughput, system reliability, and data integrity., * Oversight of LOX, LH2, LN2, and LCH4 handling: storage, transfer, pressurization, conditioning, and safety controls.
• Hazard analysis and risk mitigation for cryogenic and high-energy propellant operations.
• Guidance on facility upgrades, modifications, and capital investments to advance performance and safety.
• Hands-on support for complex troubleshooting across fluid, thermal, and propulsion test systems.
• Conformance with NASA, NFPA, ISO, AS9100, and related standards for cryogenic and propulsion testing., * Serve as the accountable authority for safety outcomes and culture in hazardous operations.
• Develop/enforce SOPs, LOTO protocols, emergency response plans, and engineered/administrative controls.
• Direct hazard analyses, risk assessments, incident investigations, and regulatory compliance (environmental, safety, export control, and customer requirements)., * Define, implement, and maintain standardized operating and test procedures with rigorous configuration and document control.
• Institutionalize disciplined data management.
• Support audits, technical reviews, and customer assessments.
• Establish and track KPIs for safety, quality, schedule adherence, and facility utilization.

Team building and supervision

• Build and lead a high-performing team of engineers, technicians, and operations staff.
• Set clear roles, expectations, and accountability; mentor, coach, and plan succession.
• Recruit, develop, and retain specialized cryogenic/propulsion test talent.
• Implement structured training for cryogenic operations, hazardous systems, and disciplined test execution.
• Provide cross-functional leadership with engineering, quality, safety, and program management.

• Bachelor’s in Engineering, Physics, or related technical field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years in aerospace, propulsion, or cryogenic test facility operations.
• Proven leadership of complex technical operations in safety-critical environments.
• Deep expertise in cryogenic propellants (LOX, LH2, LN2, methane), fluid systems, instrumentation, and DAQ.
• Track record managing test facilities or comparable industrial infrastructure.
• Experience building/owning safety programs for hazardous environments., * Background in spaceflight hardware development, qualification, or production.
• Experience commissioning or upgrading cryogenic test infrastructure.
• Familiarity with propulsion systems, turbomachinery, valves, and flow-control testing.
• Quality systems and continuous-improvement implementation experience.
• Working knowledge of NASA, ISO, NFPA, and AS9100.
• Experience operating within ITAR/EAR-controlled environments.

Physical and work environment

• Core activities include sitting, standing, walking, stooping, and bending; clear verbal communication.
• Ability to move up to 25 lbs occasionally, 10 lbs frequently, 5 lbs constantly; corrected 20/20 vision or equivalent; color differentiation.
• Read, write, analyze data/reports; exercise sound judgment; develop plans/procedures/goals; present information; perform under pressure.
• Work in a C1D2 setting with hazardous materials, fumes/airborne particles, moving/vibrating machinery, and high equipment noise; indoor/outdoor manufacturing environments with variable temperatures, including direct sun and Florida summer heat indices.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

$140,000 - $160,000 a year 401(k) 4% Match, Tuition reimbursement, Employee stock purchase plan, AD&D insurance, Parental leave, 401(k) matching, Paid time off, Vision insurance Indiantown, FL 34956, Base salary range: $140,000 - $160,000, commensurate with experience, education, and training. This range reflects the anticipated minimum and maximum base; final compensation may vary based on qualifications and could fall outside the range.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• FSA and HSA options with company-funded HSA contributions each quarter
• Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance
• 401(k) with 4% company match and immediate vesting
• 401(k) Profit Sharing
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (NYSE: GHM)
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with an option to purchase additional PTO
• Tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based bonus program
• Paid Parental, Military, Jury Duty, and Bereavement Leave
• Programs supporting mental, physical, and financial wellbeing

• ITAR Requirements:?To conform to U.S. Government commercial space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at Barber-Nichols must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158.?Security clearance is not

**required