Pilot Production Manager

Sila Nanotechnologies; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Sila Nanotechnologies in Alameda, CA, is seeking a Pilot Production Manager to lead and optimize manufacturing operations on our Silicon Anode lines. You will drive improvements, oversee asset reliability, and ensure on-time delivery to strategic customers while building a high-performing team.

This role partners with engineering, maintenance, finance, and supply planning to minimize variances, report costs of goods sold, and scale operations safely.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent operations leadership experience.
• Minimum 7 years in industrial roles including management of non-exempt personnel.
• Strong background in chemical or materials manufacturing.
• Deep knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Proven mentoring, coaching, and training skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize Alameda manufacturing operations, driving discipline and strategic initiatives.
• Act as the plant asset owner, managing MOC processes and partnering with engineering and maintenance.
• Build a safe, high-performing team through structured hiring, training, feedback, and safety culture.
• Streamline workstreams, troubleshooting methods, and operational systems for an efficient production environment.
• Partner with supply planning to develop production planning systems and collaborate with Finance to manage variances and report inventory/COGS.
• Set clear expectations, track progress against metrics, and support direct reports through roadblocks.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Industrial leadership

Operations management

Problem solving

Communication

Talent development

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Job description

About Us

We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We're tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we're redefining what's possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world?

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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Working at Sila

We believe that building a diverse team at Sila helps us amplify our individual talents. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive environment where good ideas are free to come from anyone. We are proud to celebrate diversity and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, national origin, or any other status protected by law.