Technical Operation Manager

Fluence Energy, LLC; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Fluence Energy, LLC is seeking a Technical Operations Manager in Arlington, VA. This role focuses on leading manufacturing readiness, ensuring quality execution, and achieving operational excellence across teams and contract partners.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, a minimum of 7 years of experience in quality manufacturing, and extensive experience with NPI execution and APQP implementation. Strong leadership skills are essential for managing teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in quality manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of ISO standards.
• Experience leading teams of 5 or more engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead team of engineers for operational excellence.
• Own NPI production ramp and readiness.
• Establish quality control plans for consistent product quality.

Skills

Quality manufacturing expertise

NPI execution

APQP implementation

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

ERP systems

Quality Management Systems

Job description

Role Overview

The Technical Operations Manager is responsible for leading manufacturing readiness, quality execution, and operational excellence across Fluence’s internal teams and global contract manufacturing partners. This role ensures successful New Product Introduction (NPI) ramp, production readiness, and consistent product quality through structured processes aligned with APQP and advanced manufacturing frameworks. The position requires strong cross‑functional leadership, working closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Contract Manufacturing partners to ensure product designs are effectively transitioned into scalable, high‑quality manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of engineers responsible for manufacturing quality, process readiness, and operational excellence across internal teams and contract manufacturing partners
• Own execution of NPI production ramp and manufacturing readiness in accordance with Fluence internal procedures and the APQP framework
• Establish and maintain quality control plans, manufacturing specifications, and acceptance criteria to ensure consistent product quality across global manufacturing sites
• Oversee NPI validation builds, pilot runs, and manufacturing test readiness, coordinating closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams
• Develop and support customer‑facing presentations outlining APQP processes, manufacturing readiness milestones, and product validation and test criteria
• Assist Fluence test engineers in the design of manufacturing test plans, including ITP, FAT, and QCP
• Support PFMEA reviews for new products in collaboration with Process Engineering and horizontally apply lessons learned into quality control plans
• Map existing workflows and lead continuous improvement initiatives to standardize and streamline manufacturing processes
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures for manufacturing assembly processes

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in quality manufacturing, with strong emphasis on NPI execution
• Extensive experience developing and implementing APQP with contract manufacturers
• Prior experience leading teams of 5 or more engineers in manufacturing quality or operational excellence initiatives
• Working knowledge of ISO standards and experience supporting certification management
• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC) principles; automated manufacturing experience is a plus
• Demonstrated knowledge of continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, and 5S methodologies
• Ability to work independently and provide executive‑level project updates as required
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (advanced Excel focus), ERP systems, Quality Management Systems, and manufacturing databases
• Experience applying Six Sigma philosophy and quality methodologies

Additional Skills

• Experience working with global, multi‑region contract manufacturing partners
• Strong cross‑functional leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Data‑driven problem‑solving mindset with strong analytical capabilities
• Ability to manage complexity and multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fluence is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes qualified applicants from all backgrounds.