Pilot Production Manager

Front Door Defense; Alameda, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Sila Nanotechnologies in Alameda, CA is seeking a Pilot Production Manager to oversee execution and reporting of manufacturing operations for silicon anode production lines. You will drive operational improvements, lead lean projects, and ensure on-time delivery while building a safe, high-performing team.

The role requires a technical degree and at least 7 years in industrial operations leadership, with a strong background in chemical or materials manufacturing and lean principles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent direct operations leadership experience.
• Minimum 7 years of industrial work experience including management of non-exempt personnel.
• Strong background in chemical or materials manufacturing.
• Lean Manufacturing principles applied to production processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize Alameda manufacturing operations, driving discipline and strategic initiatives.
• Directly oversee Lean implementation and continuous improvement with material flow.
• Act as plant asset owner, manage MOC processes, and maximize equipment reliability.
• Build a safe, high-performing team through structured hiring, training and feedback.
• Streamline workstreams, troubleshooting methodologies and operational systems.
• Partner with supply planning to develop production planning systems and with Finance to monitor variances and inventory levels.
• Set clear expectations, track progress against metrics, and support direct reports.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Manufacturing Operations Leadership

Problem-Solving

Communication

Team Leadership

Mentoring & Training

Safety & Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Job description

Pilot Production Manager

Lead and optimize Alameda production operations to ensure on-time delivery and continuous improvement

Location: Alameda, California

Compensation: $165,000 - 208,000 USD / year

About The Role

Pilot Production Manager

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.

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 maximise 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 minimise 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.

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 behaviours.

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.

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.