Advanced Materials, Battery Technology, Clean Energy, Automotive, Consumer Electronics

Pilot Production Manager

Alameda, CAOnsiteFull TimeManager / HeadPosted 1 month agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

Silicon Anode
Lean Manufacturing
Continuous Improvement
MOC Processes
Equipment Reliability
Talent Development
Production Planning
COGS Reporting
Process Optimization

Nice to have

technical discipline
industrial manufacturing operations
safe operating behaviors
listening
influencing

Role summary

Sila is seeking a Pilot Production Manager for its Silicon Anode production lines in Alameda, CA. This role is responsible for the execution and reporting of manufacturing operations, driving operational improvements, and supporting the growth of people, processes, and systems. Key responsibilities include leading and optimizing operations, implementing Lean principles, managing asset reliability, developing a high-performing team, streamlining workstreams, overseeing production planning, and managing financial aspects like COGS and inventory. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent experience, a minimum of 7 years of industrial work experience including management, and strong expertise in chemical/materials manufacturing, Lean principles, and talent development.

About Us

We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s 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. We're tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we're redefining what's 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 Sila’s 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: 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 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 $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.

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Working at Sila

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.

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