Director, Manufacturing Operations

About the Opportunity As the Director of Manufacturing Operations, you will lead Ascent Solar's manufacturing organization, overseeing a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and manufacturing professionals responsible for producing our innovative thin-film photovoltaic technology. This role combines strategic leadership with operational execution, driving team performance, maximizing manufacturing capacity, optimizing processes, and ensuring manufacturing readiness for new products and customer programs.

Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership, you will champion continuous improvement, develop high-performing teams, and lead the operational initiatives that enable Ascent Solar's growth, innovation, and long-term success. What You’ll Do Team Leadership & Development Provide strategic leadership to Manufacturing Engineers, Process Engineers, Manufacturing Technicians and Shift Leads.

Build a culture centered on accountability, engagement, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement. Establish clear goals and performance expectations aligned with company objectives. Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, coaching sessions and formal performance reviews. Develop succession plans and career development opportunities.

Onboard, train and retain top engineering and manufacturing talent, maximizing performance, production capacity and business continuity capacity. Foster cross-training and workforce flexibility across manufacturing operations. Partner closely with People & Culture on workforce planning and organizational development. Manufacturing Capacity & Operational Excellence Establish the facility's true production capacity through analysis of equipment, staffing, scheduling and process constraints.

Develop staffing models that align labor resources with forecasted production demand. Optimize manufacturing throughput while maintaining quality, safety and cost objective Identify manufacturing bottlenecks and implement scalable solutions. Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement programs. Develop production KPIs including: Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Yield Cycle Time First Pass Yield Downtime Scrap Capacity Utilization Support supplier diversification strategies to reduce operational risk.

Optimize inventory management to balance production continuity with working capital. Drive preventative maintenance strategies. Improve manufacturing workflows and MES utilization. Ensure EH&S compliance. Strategic Project & Program Management Partner with Sales to ensure manufacturing readiness for new commercial opportunities.

Lead manufacturing planning for customer programs from prototype through production. Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain activities to support customer delivery commitments. Develop and manage production timelines and resource plans supporting customer milestones. Lead capital equipment acquisition projects and oversee factory expansion initiatives.

Lead process improvement projects that increase throughput, yield and manufacturing efficiency. Evaluate emerging technologies and automation opportunities. Support commercialization of next-generation photovoltaic products. Other duties as assigned.

Pay: $110000 - $150000 per year

Requirements

US Citizenship, No Sponsorship Available; 13+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including leadership of engineers and technicians within a high-technology manufacturing environment.; Experience with budgeting, capital expenditures, labor planning, cost reduction, ROI analysis and vendor negotiations.

; Experience supporting C-level leaders and the Board of Directors as the “voice” of manufacturing & engineering.; Develops annual manufacturing roadmaps and supports board presentations thereof.; Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot issues with equipment.; Demonstrated ability to measure and improve manufacturing processes to meet company objectives.

; Demonstrated success in applying Lean principles for process improvements.; Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.; Willingness to work up to 12-hours at a time, on any shift across our 24/7 operation.; Exceptional Team Leadership Skills, with experience leading both technicians and engineers.

Why You’ll Love Working Here Competitive Pay : $110,000 - $150,000 per year base with potential bonus and equity Benefits and Work/Life Balance : Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with significant employer contribution Company paid Short/Long Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance 401k with up to 4% employer match Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) Program 11 paid holidays per year The opportunity to work with innovative thin-film photovoltaic technology The opportunity to be innovative every day, and grow with an emerging tech company A collaborative, low-ego work environment where technical expertise and problem-solving are valued A fun work environment with regular events and wellness opportunities Who We Are Our mission is to pioneer the development of lightweight, durable, and flexible thin-film photovoltaic cells that seamlessly integrate into our customers' designs, from satellites to aquatic and terrestrial systems and beyond.

As a team of world-class engineers, thought leaders, and innovators, we are dedicated to expanding the use case for solar technologies, and reducing reliance on conventional power sources. Through our cutting-edge solutions, we strive to power technology across land, sea and space. Our vision at Ascent Solar is to lead the transformation of the global energy landscape by making solar power accessible and integral to all facets of modern life.

We envision a world where our innovative thin-film photovoltaic technology powers everything from space exploration to sustainable agriculture, driving a universal shift towards renewable energy. Through relentless innovation and collaboration, we aim to inspire a future where clean, reliable solar energy is the cornerstone of a sustainable planet.

Ascent Solar is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer committed to finding the best people from all walks of life and creating a diverse and inclusive workspace, where everyone is welcomed and valued for their unique contribution to our team!