Head of Manufacturing — Build & Scale Production (Equity)

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

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.