Pilot Production Manager

We are Sila a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the worlds 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. Were tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day and together were redefining whats 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 Silas 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: Bachelors 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 $165000 and $208000 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 Silas 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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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.