Head of Manufacturing

Critical Energy; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary 180k–220k USD per year

Equity options

Medical coverage 100% Platinum/HD/HSA

Dental and vision 100% company-covered

FSA

401k retirement options

Daily catered lunch

Free EV charging

Team outings

Job summary

Critical Energy seeks a Head of Manufacturing to own the end-to-end build-out of production capabilities for modular power systems. You will design lines, manage costs, and build the manufacturing org on the floor, leading by example in a startup environment.

You will collaborate with engineering to improve manufacturability, drive cost reductions, and ensure on-schedule delivery while maintaining safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years building and scaling production lines in complex modular or large-scale environments.
• Strong background in fluid systems, mechanical assembly, metallurgy and processes (welding, brazing, joints, 3D printing, heat treatments).
• Startup mentality: hands-on, multi-hat, thrives in ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Design, commission, and optimize production lines for modular power units from scratch.
• Build and scale a high-performing manufacturing team in a startup.
• Lead ramp-up: pilot modules in 2026, volume scaling in 2027 and beyond.
• Own manufacturing strategy, cost estimation, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Startup mindset

Cost optimization

Team scaling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or mechanical engineering

Tools

5-axis machining

Welding

3D printing

Metallurgy

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking our first Head of Manufacturing to own the end-to-end build-out of our production capabilities from the ground up. You will design and stand up production lines for modular power systems, control inventory and costs, and build the manufacturing organization. This is a hands‑on leadership role – you will be on the floor building, problem‑solving, and leading by example while structuring processes for rapid ramp‑up. You will collaborate closely with engineering and leadership to simplify designs for manufacturability, drive costs down toward the idiot index (minimizing cost relative to raw materials through smart process design), and deliver reliable modules on schedule and budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, commissioning, and optimization of production lines for modular power units from scratch.
• Build and scale a high‑performing technician and manufacturing team in a startup environment.
• Drive production ramp: pilot modules in 2026 followed by volume scaling in 2027 and beyond.
• Own manufacturing strategy, process simplification, cost estimation/control for lines and products, and continuous improvement.
• Get hands‑on with assembly processes.
• Implement production algorithms and workflows that prioritize simplicity, speed, and cost collapse.
• Partner with engineering to influence design for manufacturability and scalability.
• Build robust supply chain interfaces, quality systems, and safety protocols.
• Ensure all product compliance documentation is available to ensure commissioning acceptance.
• Foster a mission‑driven culture aligned with climate impact and rapid innovation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or mechanical engineering or another related field, or the equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of proven experience building and scaling production lines in complex modular or large‑scale assembly environments such as aerospace, industrial processing, energy, oil and gas, or automotive.
• Strong background in fluid systems, mechanical assembly, metallurgy, and manufacturing processes such as welding, brazing, bolted joints, 5‑axis machining, 3D printing, heat treatments, etc.
• An established network of hardware suppliers and an understanding of what value they bring as compared to their competitors.
• Startup mentality: comfortable getting hands dirty, wearing multiple hats, and thriving in ambiguity.
• Deep understanding of production economics: able to estimate and drive down costs to create and operate manufacturing lines.
• Track record of scaling technician workforces and transitioning from prototype/low volume to higher volume production.
• Mission‑oriented with genuine interest in climate tech, contributing positively to the planet, and energy transformation.

Bonus Experience

• You have been part of a team that designed and commissioned a power generation or processing plant.
• Experience designing for classified hazardous areas (NEC Class I Division 2) and compliance to ASME B31.1.
• Experience with rotating equipment such as turbines, compressors, and pumps and their assembly.

Compensation

• Base salary ranges from $180‑220k per annum.
• Equity options.
• 100% company‑covered Platinum or HD/HSA (with company contribution) medical.
• 100% company‑covered dental and vision.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 401k retirement options.
• Daily catered lunch.
• Free EV charging.
• Several annual social and team building outings.