Director of Manufacturing

CSG Talent; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

CSG Talent partners with an innovative critical minerals technology company to move lithium production technologies from prototype to scalable commercial production.

The Director of Manufacturing will develop the strategy and network to produce hardware, sensors and fluid‑handling equipment in cost‑efficient, repeatable formats while navigating global contract manufacturers and QA frameworks.

Qualifications

• Experience taking complex technologies from prototype or pilot stage into repeatable production.
• Ability to build and manage supplier networks and QA/QC processes.
• Proven track record in cost optimization and scale-up strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing and scale-up strategy for hardware, sensors and modular equipment.
• Lead transition from prototype/pilot builds to repeatable commercial production.
• Establish BOMs, cost models and supplier relationships, including China.
• Embed design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly into development.
• Ensure QA/QC frameworks and manufacturing documentation are in place.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Prototype to production

Cross-functional leadership

Global supply chains

Design for manufacture

Contract manufacturers

Cost optimization

Quality systems

Field deployment

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Job description

CSG Talent is partnering with an innovative critical minerals technology company developing a portfolio of products designed to increase lithium production, improve recovery and make brine operations more efficient.

The business is now looking for a Director of Manufacturing to take its technologies from prototype and early field deployment into repeatable, cost effective commercial production.

It is a build and scale role covering technology platforms including electronics manufacturing, digital site monitoring and lithium extraction.

The Director of Manufacturing will create the manufacturing strategy, supplier network and quality systems needed to scale each platform successfully.

The Role

Working between product development teams in the US, manufacturing partners in China and field operations in South America, you will lead the complete transition from prototype to commercial production.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing a clear manufacturing and scale up strategy for all technology platforms.


• Creating product specific manufacturing plans for physical hardware, sensor and electronics systems, and modular fluid process equipment.


• Leading the transition from prototype and pilot builds into repeatable commercial production.


• Reviewing existing prototype to production workflows and identifying technical, quality, cost and supply chain risks.


• Embedding design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly principles into the product development process.


• Working with engineering teams to improve product durability, modularity, field installation and maintainability.


• Building and managing relationships with contract manufacturers and component suppliers in China.


• Establishing bills of materials, product cost models and cost-reduction programs.


• Developing appropriate sourcing strategies for coated and fabricated components, sensors, electronics, fluid-handling equipment and other critical parts.


• Implementing QA/QC frameworks, supplier qualification processes, manufacturing documentation and product acceptance standards.


• Ensuring products can operate reliably in remote, chemically demanding and environmentally challenging locations.


• Supporting deployments in South America and resolving manufacturing or product reliability issues identified in the field.


• Translating field performance and customer feedback into practical design and manufacturing improvements.


• Building a global manufacturing network capable of supporting multiple international deployments.


• Balancing cost, quality, lead time and speed to market across a varied product portfolio.


• Contributing directly to the company's commercial and profitability roadmap.

What We're Looking For

• At least five years of manufacturing or product industrialization leadership experience.


• A proven track record of taking complex technologies from prototype or pilot stage into repeatable commercial production.


• Experience working across more than one product discipline, ideally involving industrial hardware, process equipment, electronics, sensors, IoT systems or cleantech products.


• Strong experience managing Chinese contract manufacturers and international supply chains.


• Practical knowledge of new product introduction, design for manufacture, process engineering and cost optimization.


• Experience building supplier quality, QA/QC and audit processes from an early stage.


• An understanding of mechanical, electrical and fluid handling systems.


• Experience with equipment operating in chemical, mining, water treatment or other demanding industrial environments would be advantageous.


• The ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, software, supply chain and commercial teams.


• Strong communication skills and the ability to coordinate teams and suppliers across several continents.


• A bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering or a related discipline.


• The flexibility to travel regularly to China and South America.

Chinese-language or Spanish skills would be advantageous but are not essential. An MBA would also be beneficial.