Facilities Operations Manager

Join North Wind - Accelerating National Advantage

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs - from R&D to flight testing, if you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

Position Overview

The Facilities Operations Manager leads the safe, reliable, and cost-effective day-to-day operation and maintenance of the facility — its specialized test-support plant (drive systems, compressors, cooling, compressed/dry air, vacuum), electrical and high-voltage distribution, building and utility systems, grounds, and site services. The role exists to deliver maximum safe availability of the tunnels and infrastructure at the lowest sustainable life-cycle cost.

This role is to manage North Wind’s test facility in Plymouth, MN. In this role, the candidate will own the operation, maintenance, reliability, and energy performance of the physical complex. This role will also set priority to testing/manufacturing programs and will manage resources for project execution.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain the test-support plant: compressors, cooling-water, compressed/dry-air, and vacuum systems.

Operate and maintain electrical distribution and high-voltage systems (substation, switchgear, drives), HVAC, plumbing, and building systems to design conditions.

Ensure systems are available, configured, and ready to support the test schedule; respond to abnormal conditions and restore service.

Maintain control of system configuration, lockout/tagout, and energized-system safety in coordination with Engineering and EHS.

Identify, assess, and mitigate risks (e.g. technical, cost, schedule, legal, security)

Maintain risk register and ensure corrective actions are tracked and closed

Strategically manage Program and NCTA budgets (B&P and M&S) with financial rigor and predictability

Customer Interface: Serve as primary point of contact for clients regarding cost estimates, project deliverables, and milestones.

Own the facility operating schedule and drive strategies to meet or exceed revenue targets.

Assign personnel and equipment to active projects based on shifting operational priorities. Manage all projects at site, reporting initial and tracking to completion all estimates.

Develop, execute, and monitor lean optimization plans to enhance facility efficiency and safety.

Own the preventive and predictive maintenance (PM/PdM) programs (vibration, thermography, oil analysis) and the maintenance schedule.

Manage campus utilities and energy: demand management, run-readiness of high-load systems, and cost/consumption tracking.

Enforce safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance across all facilities work.

Maintain inspections, certifications, and permits (pressure vessels, cranes/hoists, fire systems, environmental, energized systems, etc.).

Own the facilities-operations budget; control maintenance, utility, and service costs and forecast spend.

Lead, schedule, and develop the facilities workforce; manage shift/on-call coverage and subcontractor performance.

Report operational status, reliability, energy, and cost metrics to the Director and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Degree in mechanical/electrical/aero engineering, facilities/industrial management, or equivalent experience (technical degree preferred for this facility type).

8–12+ years in industrial/heavy-facility operations and maintenance, including rotating machinery and high-voltage/medium-voltage systems.

Demonstrated leadership of engineering teams, skilled-trades teams and maintenance/reliability programs in a high-availability environment.

Compressor plants, cooling systems, vacuum systems, or comparable specialized utilities is preferred.

Aeronautics industry testing a plus

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.