This role is a new position. We are seeking a hands-on site leadership professional who enjoys building teams, launching production, solving technical challenges, and helping a new manufacturing operation scale successfully. This is a high-visibility role with direct impact on production start-up, engineering and operations development, supplier readiness, customer support, and long-term site performance.
In this role, you will lead the California site from early-stage operations to a scalable, high-performance manufacturing hub supporting our automation solutions division. You will own production ramp-up, develop engineering and operations capabilities, strengthen local supplier performance, and serve as the primary technical interface for customers.
Key Responsibilities
• Launch and scale production for automation solutions, ensuring processes, equipment, and operators reach planned quality, on-time delivery, and cost targets.
• Build and lead the engineering and operations teams, establishing standard work, performance expectations, and a growth-ready site structure.
• Qualify and manage local suppliers, securing reliable component flow, quality, and tooling needed for production ramp-up.
• Serve as the primary technical customer interface, handling product inquiries, application support, component selection, and design-related questions.
• Oversee daily production and continuous improvement, driving scheduling, inventory accuracy, quality compliance, and CI tools across the site.
• Own capital planning and execution, including equipment selection, installation, and cross-site standardization for scalable growth.
Requirements
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required; Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or Business preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation, or industrial production environments, including hands-on start-up or scale-up work.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering and/or operations teams.
• Demonstrated success launching or ramping production lines; experience with lift, linear, or drive systems preferred.
• Strong capability in supplier qualification, component sourcing, and vendor quality management.
• Proven ability to interface directly with customers on technical inquiries, troubleshooting, and application support.
• Experience with ERP, production scheduling, inventory discipline, and standard manufacturing KPIs.
• Solid knowledge of lean and continuous improvement tools, including 5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, and process standardization.
• Ability to travel between the California and Maryland sites as needed.
Generous Benefits
• Time Off: Annually 9 paid company holidays/17 days of paid time off/40 hours of paid sick leave each year, prorated.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Cigna medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with up to 4% company match.
• Health and Financial Wellness: H.S.A. with company match, F.S.A., short-term disability, long-term disability, gym discounts, and financial planning guidance from trusted advisors.
• Norton LifeLock: Free employee or family coverage.
• Life and AD&D Coverage: Company-paid $50,000 life insurance coverage/AD&D, with additional voluntary life/AD&D available for you, your spouse, and children.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to free behavioral health services, including counseling sessions and other resources.
• Growth Opportunities: Ongoing professional development training as well as tuition assistance to help you advance your career.
