Production Manager
THE ROLE
Mesodyne is scaling LightCell from small-batch assembly to real production, and we need someone to run the floor day in and day out. As Production Manager, you'll own the daily execution of assembly operations — staffing the line, hitting build schedules, and making sure quality holds as volume climbs. This is the role that turns the manufacturing roadmap into units shipped, week after week.
This is a hands-on, floor-first role. You'll be out among the technicians solving problems in real time, not just reviewing reports. You'll report into manufacturing leadership and work closely with quality, supply chain, and R&D to keep production moving.
WHY NOW
We're moving from tens of units a year to hundreds, with more scale to follow. Over the next 18 months, that means:
- Scaling output without sacrificing quality
- Replacing hand-assembly with documented, repeatable processes
- Building a production schedule that can flex as vendor and component timelines shift
- Hitting delivery and cost targets as the design matures
- Building the staffing and shift structure to support higher volume
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Run daily production operations
Own the assembly floor — staffing, scheduling, and day-to-day workflow. Keep the line moving and hit build targets without cutting corners on quality.
Own Supply Chain Management and Manage vendor timelines
Track deliverables from fabrication, brazing, coatings, and electronics vendors. Escalate delays before they become crises. Keep a clear picture of who owes what, by when.
Manage the production team
Hire, train, and supervise assembly technicians. Build a culture where people take pride in the work and hold each other to a high bar.
Enforce quality on the floor
Run quality checkpoints throughout assembly. Catch issues before they become shipped defects. Feed what you see back into process and design improvements.
Keep the schedule honest
Track production against plan and flag risks early — parts shortages, staffing gaps, process bottlenecks. Coordinate with supply chain and quality to keep the line unblocked.
Drive continuous improvement
Identify and fix bottlenecks in the assembly workflow. Build and refine SOPs based on what actually works on the floor, not just what looks good on paper.
WHAT YOU BRING
Must-haves
- BS in Supply Chain Management or Engineering with relevant experience
- 3+ years in supply chain, procurement, or vendor management, ideally in a manufacturing environment
- A proven track record sourcing, qualifying, and managing vendors — from initial sourcing through ongoing relationship management
- Hands-on experience with inventory management and controls (stocking levels, cycle counts, reconciliation)
- Comfort managing purchase orders, invoices, and procurement processes in a fast-moving environment
- Strong negotiation skills and a track record of managing cost without sacrificing quality or delivery
- Comfort making calls with incomplete information
Nice-to-haves
- Startup experience (20–200 people)
- Experience in advanced batteries, aerospace, optics, photonics, semiconductor, or other precision or specialty manufacturing
- Knowledge of any of the following: brazing, welding, high temperature materials, advanced ceramics, optomechanical systems, optical coatings, vacuum systems, semiconductors, microfabrication, and semiconductor packaging
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems or lightweight/home-built systems inventory and procurement
- Familiarity with supplier quality management and performance metrics
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive base salary, commensurate with experience
- Equity
- Health, dental, vision
- PTO