Director of Operations

What you’ll do

We’re looking for a hands-on, strategic Director of Operations to lead and scale our U.S. manufacturing operations across multiple sites. This role will oversee all aspects of operations — including P&L ownership, site management, production, logistics, and engineering support — ensuring performance, efficiency, and profitability across locations.

In this position, you’ll be responsible for standing up a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility, building the team, processes, and systems that will drive operational excellence. You’ll lead and develop Site Managers, Engineers, and Support Teams while ensuring consistency and alignment across all sites.

This role also requires close collaboration with our global teams, including our international production teams, to ensure seamless product quality, supply chain synchronization, and world-class operational execution.

The ideal candidate brings a strong track record of scaling multi-site operations, driving cross-functional collaboration, and delivering measurable impact through disciplined execution and continuous improvement.

Where you’ll work

This role will be based in our Long Beach, CA office. You must be willing to work in the office full-time, outside of our bi-weekly WFH Fridays. 

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Own overall performance and profitability of U.S. manufacturing operations in Long Beach
• Develop and execute operational and engineering strategies to deliver on cost, quality, delivery, and growth targets.
• Build and lead a high-performing leadership team at both sites, including shop managers, engineers, and support staff.

Long Beach Switchboard Facility

• Oversee manufacturing and engineering operations for switchboard production.
• Ensure delivery, quality, and engineering improvements are executed efficiently.
• Coordinate with corporate and international teams to align production with global best practices.

Cross-Functional & International Collaboration

• Partner closely with international production teams.
• Standardize operational and engineering practices across sites to drive consistency and scalability.
• Implement performance metrics and reporting frameworks to track productivity, quality, and profitability.

Travel & Communication

• Serve as one of the primary U.S. manufacturing liaison with international operations and engineering teams.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to engineering standards, testing protocols, and all relevant industry certifications.
• Build and maintain a robust quality management system, including incoming parts inspection, in-process checks, and final product testing.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable regulatory standards.

Financial Responsibility

• Develop and manage site operating budgets.
• Own cost, yield, and productivity metrics across both facilities.
• Deliver on all P&L commitments and continuously identify opportunities for margin improvement.

Requirements

• 8 - 12+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in electrical equipment (transformers, switchgear, switchboards) or related industrial products.
• Proven experience managing multiple sites with full P&L ownership.
• Demonstrated success commissioning or scaling production facilities.
• Strong leadership skills and a track record of building and developing high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Experience collaborating with international teams across multiple time zones.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently between facilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.

Benefits

• Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
• Equity (options) in a rapidly growing startup
• 401(k) with 4% employer match
• Unlimited PTO
• Parental leave
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Commuter benefits
• Monthly team onsites where all offices come in–person to collaborate