Sila Nanotechnologies

Pilot Production Manager

Sila Nanotechnologies • $165K — $208K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field, or equivalent leadership experience.
  • Minimum 7 years in industrial settings, including management of non-exempt staff.
  • Strong background in chemical or materials manufacturing.
  • Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing principles.
  • Effective mentoring and talent development skills.
  • Hands-on problem-solving abilities in operational environments.
  • Strong communication and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and optimize manufacturing operations in Alameda.
  • Manage asset reliability and coordinate with engineering for quick incident recovery.
  • Develop a high-performing workforce with a focus on safety and quality.
  • Streamline work processes and operational systems for efficiency.
  • Collaborate on production planning systems and monitor financial performance.
  • Set expectations and track performance metrics for the team.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge industry.
  • Focus on team development and culture enhancement.
  • Engagement in meaningful operational improvement projects.
  • Safe working environment with an emphasis on quality.
Full Job Description
Who You Are

As a Pilot Production Manager you will be responsible for the execution, and reporting of manufacturing operations of our innovative Silicon Anode production lines. You will drive operational improvements and support the growth of the people, processes, and systems at the facility, ensuring on time delivery of Sila's material to high profile customers. The role will be based in Alameda, CA.

Responsibilities and Duties
  • Operational Leadership & Improvement: Lead and optimize Alameda manufacturing operations, driving discipline, and strategic initiatives. Directly oversee projects like Lean implementation and continuous improvement with material flow to align with company goals.
  • Asset Ownership & Reliability: Act as the plant asset owner, managing MOC processes and partnering with engineering and maintenance to maximize equipment reliability and rapid incident recovery.
  • Culture & Workforce Development: Build a safe, high-performing team through structured hiring, training, transparent feedback, and a strong culture of safety, quality, and empowerment.
  • Organizational Optimization: Streamline workstreams, troubleshooting methodologies, and operational systems to establish an efficient, scalable, and highly effective production environment.
  • Production Planning & Financial Oversight: Partner with supply planning to further develop production planning systems and collaborate with Finance to minimize manufacturing variances, report COGS, and monitor/report out on inventory levels.
  • Goal Alignment & Performance Management: Set clear expectations, allocate responsibilities, track progress against key metrics, and support direct reports in navigating operational roadblocks.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements
  • Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (engineering preferred) or equivalent direct operations leadership experience. Minimum 7 years of industrial work experience (including management of non-exempt personnel).
  • Industry Domain Expertise: Strong background in chemical or materials manufacturing, with a solid grasp of industrial manufacturing operations.
  • Lean & Continuous Improvement: Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and a proven track record of applying them to production processes.
  • Leadership & Talent Development: Strong mentoring, coaching, and training skills focused on empowering individuals, developing talent, and driving safe operating behaviors.
  • Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting: Hands-on, solution-oriented approach to diagnosing issues and resolving operational challenges directly on the line.
  • Communication & Facilitation: Strong communication, listening, and influencing abilities, with strong initiative in leading meetings and driving organizational alignment.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
  • Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes.
  • Move long distances (such as from building to building) and be stationary for extended periods of time.
  • Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc in a fixed location.

The starting base pay for this role is between $165,000 and $208,000 at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila's competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, and equity. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

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About Sila Nanotechnologies

Sila Nanotechnologies is a materials science company that develops and manufactures advanced battery materials for electric vehicles and other applications. Founded in 2011, Sila is focused on creating materials that can significantly increase the energy density and performance of lithium-ion batteries, while also reducing their cost and environmental impact. Sila's technology has the potential to revolutionize the battery industry and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, which are critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Sila has a highly experienced team of scientists and engineers, and has received significant funding from investors and government agencies.
Learn more about Sila Nanotechnologies
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2011

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