Director of Operations
Long Wave Inc., Oklahoma City, OK, United States
Primary Function:
Long Wave Inc. is seeking a Director of Operations to lead the Simulation Technologies (SIMTEC) Business Unit, delivering mission-critical modeling, simulation, training, and engineering solutions in support of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) customers.
This executive-level leader will be responsible for end-to-end operational performance, including program execution, engineering integration, training delivery, and business growth. The role oversees a portfolio of simulation and training systems that enable mission readiness, operational analysis, and systems validation across complex defense environments.
The Director will ensure execution excellence across capabilities including modeling & simulation, mission systems engineering, training systems development, platform integration, and software modernization.
Essential Responsibilities: Operational Leadership & Execution Lead all aspects of SIM TEC business unit operations, ensuring successful execution of programs supporting DoD customers. Drive on-time, on-budget, and compliant delivery across simulation, training, and engineering programs. Establish and monitor KPIs, program performance metrics, and operational dashboards. Ensure alignment with DoD acquisition frameworks, contract requirements, and quality standards. Program & Portfolio Management Oversee a portfolio of modeling & simulation, training systems, and mission engineering programs. Partner with Program Managers to manage cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk. Ensure effective integration of simulation systems such as training environments, communication emulators, and system test platforms. Engineering & Technical Integration Provide leadership across systems engineering, simulation development, and software modernization efforts. Ensure technical solutions support mission requirements including scenario modeling, operational analysis, and system interoperability. Promote adoption of modern engineering practices (e.g., MBSE, Agile, DevSecOps where applicable). Training & Simulation Delivery Oversee development and delivery of advanced training systems, including instructor-led, virtual, and simulation-based training. Ensure training programs align with mission readiness objectives and leverage industry frameworks (e.g., ISD, PADDIE). Business Growth & Strategy Partner with Business Development and Capture teams to expand SIM TEC capabilities and win new business. Shape strategic direction for simulation technologies, training systems, and engineering services. Support proposal development, technical solutioning, and customer engagement. Customer & Stakeholder Engagement Serve as a primary interface with government customers, including DoD program offices and end users. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across defense and intelligence communities. Ensure customer satisfaction and mission success across all programs. People Leadership Lead and develop a high-performing team of engineers, program managers, instructors, and technical specialists. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and mission focus. Drive workforce planning, talent development, and succession planning initiatives.
Work Conditions: Employee will be working within an office environment. Employee may be expected to travel up to 30%.
Job Requirements: Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or related field. 12+ years of experience in
defense, aerospace, or government contracting environments
. 5+ years of leadership experience managing
operations, programs, or business units
. Experience with
modeling & simulation, training systems, or mission systems engineering
. Demonstrated experience managing
DoD programs (cost, schedule, performance)
. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
Preferred Requirements: Master’s degree in Engineering, Business (MBA), or related field. Experience supporting NAVSEA, NAVAIR, USAF, or other DoD customers. Familiarity with simulation architectures, HLA, or distributed training systems. Experience with EVM (Earned Value Management) and program financial oversight. Knowledge of instructional systems design and training development frameworks. Experience with software modernization and platform integration efforts.
Position Benefits As a full-time employee of Long Wave, you are eligible for our benefits package including: Competitive Salary Medical, Dental & Vision coverage 401k Educational Assistance Life Insurance Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions Paid Time Off This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability
This executive-level leader will be responsible for end-to-end operational performance, including program execution, engineering integration, training delivery, and business growth. The role oversees a portfolio of simulation and training systems that enable mission readiness, operational analysis, and systems validation across complex defense environments.
The Director will ensure execution excellence across capabilities including modeling & simulation, mission systems engineering, training systems development, platform integration, and software modernization.
Essential Responsibilities: Operational Leadership & Execution Lead all aspects of SIM TEC business unit operations, ensuring successful execution of programs supporting DoD customers. Drive on-time, on-budget, and compliant delivery across simulation, training, and engineering programs. Establish and monitor KPIs, program performance metrics, and operational dashboards. Ensure alignment with DoD acquisition frameworks, contract requirements, and quality standards. Program & Portfolio Management Oversee a portfolio of modeling & simulation, training systems, and mission engineering programs. Partner with Program Managers to manage cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk. Ensure effective integration of simulation systems such as training environments, communication emulators, and system test platforms. Engineering & Technical Integration Provide leadership across systems engineering, simulation development, and software modernization efforts. Ensure technical solutions support mission requirements including scenario modeling, operational analysis, and system interoperability. Promote adoption of modern engineering practices (e.g., MBSE, Agile, DevSecOps where applicable). Training & Simulation Delivery Oversee development and delivery of advanced training systems, including instructor-led, virtual, and simulation-based training. Ensure training programs align with mission readiness objectives and leverage industry frameworks (e.g., ISD, PADDIE). Business Growth & Strategy Partner with Business Development and Capture teams to expand SIM TEC capabilities and win new business. Shape strategic direction for simulation technologies, training systems, and engineering services. Support proposal development, technical solutioning, and customer engagement. Customer & Stakeholder Engagement Serve as a primary interface with government customers, including DoD program offices and end users. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across defense and intelligence communities. Ensure customer satisfaction and mission success across all programs. People Leadership Lead and develop a high-performing team of engineers, program managers, instructors, and technical specialists. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and mission focus. Drive workforce planning, talent development, and succession planning initiatives.
Work Conditions: Employee will be working within an office environment. Employee may be expected to travel up to 30%.
Job Requirements: Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or related field. 12+ years of experience in
defense, aerospace, or government contracting environments
. 5+ years of leadership experience managing
operations, programs, or business units
. Experience with
modeling & simulation, training systems, or mission systems engineering
. Demonstrated experience managing
DoD programs (cost, schedule, performance)
. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
Preferred Requirements: Master’s degree in Engineering, Business (MBA), or related field. Experience supporting NAVSEA, NAVAIR, USAF, or other DoD customers. Familiarity with simulation architectures, HLA, or distributed training systems. Experience with EVM (Earned Value Management) and program financial oversight. Knowledge of instructional systems design and training development frameworks. Experience with software modernization and platform integration efforts.
Position Benefits As a full-time employee of Long Wave, you are eligible for our benefits package including: Competitive Salary Medical, Dental & Vision coverage 401k Educational Assistance Life Insurance Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions Paid Time Off This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability