About the job
ABOUT LYKOS
Lykos is an innovative venture developed within Interplay’s Studio, dedicated to creating companies from the ground up.
As a pioneering U. S.-based advanced materials and manufacturing firm, Lykos specializes in creating defense-grade additives, components, and production systems capable of withstanding extreme thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic conditions. We are establishing a state-of-the-art industrial manufacturing platform tailored to meet the stringent requirements of defense contractors, government clients, and strategic partners.
Our focus lies in ultra-high-performance ceramics (UHPCs), essential for aerospace, propulsion, and autonomous systems applications where conventional materials are inadequate. Through cutting-edge process integration and laser-driven manufacturing, Lykos is committed to delivering scalable, U. S.-controlled production for mission-critical defense and national security initiatives.
ROLE OVERVIEW
As the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will spearhead the transition from laboratory-validated materials to robust manufacturing capabilities. You will be responsible for formulating the manufacturing strategy, designing process architecture, ensuring operational readiness, and planning for scalability to guarantee Lykos’s ability to produce defense-grade components with increasing volume, quality, and reliability.
We seek a seasoned industrial operator with a proven track record in building and commissioning production lines, managing yield, quality, and delivery, scaling up innovative technologies under real-world conditions, and overseeing capital expenditures and vendor relationships comprehensively. This role demands accountability across the entire spectrum from process to production to delivery, highlighting your ability to translate advanced technology into dependable, defense-grade manufacturing systems.
This is a unique opportunity to design and implement an advanced manufacturing operation from the ground up, at the intersection of materials science, laser-based production, and defense industry standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and manage Lykos’ comprehensive manufacturing strategy, overseeing the entire process from raw material acquisition to the completion of ceramic components and modular processing units for decentralized manufacturing.
Define and establish the initial MVP manufacturing cell, including equipment selection, layout design, tooling, and capital expenditure planning.
Seamlessly integrate laser-enabled manufacturing techniques with ceramic material workflows to ensure consistency, yield, and quality.
Implement robust production process controls, quality assurance procedures, and operational metrics that drive continuous improvement.

