Associate Production Manager, GDE
Are you ready to build America’s clean energy future with the team that will deliver? Form Energy is an American energy technology and manufacturing company. We are pioneering a new class of iron-air batteries to enable our electric grid to run on renewable, reliable, and affordable energy, every day of the year.
Form Energy has been recognized by TIME as “One of the Best Inventions of 2023” for its battery technology and by MIT Technology Review as a “Top Climate Tech Company to Watch”. We are making rapid progress on our mission of delivering energy storage for a better world, and are growing just as rapidly to meet demand. Our team has more than doubled in size in the past year, and continues to expand every day. We have signed contracts with leading electric utilities across the United States. Pilot production of our iron-air batteries has already begun, and later this year, production will take off to high volumes at our new factory in West Virginia.
Working for Form Energy is more than just a job, it’s a chance to be part of something extraordinary. And right now might be the most exciting moment in the company’s history to join. We are assembling a team of some of the most talented and motivated individuals across the country. Driven by our core values of humanity, excellence, and creativity, our team is determined to deliver on our mission and transform the energy landscape for the better.
Feeling energized to make a meaningful impact on the world? Then keep reading - you’ve come to the right place.
Role Description
As the Associate Production Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the GDE production line at our Form Factory 1 facility in Weirton, WV. You will lead a team of supervisors, who in turn manage teams of production associates, to ensure that production goals are met efficiently, on time, and to the highest quality standards. You will drive process improvements, ensure safety and compliance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize the manufacturing process as we scale up from prototype to full-scale production.
This is a leadership position that requires a hands-on, results-oriented approach, strong communication skills, and a commitment to operational excellence.
This opportunity is based out of Form Energy's Weirton, WV. Relocation assistance is available.
What you'll do:
Production Oversight: Lead the daily operations of the GDE production line to ensure all production targets are met efficiently. Oversee supervisors and ensure their teams of production associates follow all required protocols and standards.
Team Leadership & Development: Manage a team of production supervisors, providing coaching, training, and performance feedback. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement among supervisors and production associates.
Process Optimization: Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, reduce waste, and streamline processes. Lead initiatives to implement lean manufacturing techniques and other continuous improvement practices.
Quality Assurance: Ensure that all GDE products meet Form Energy’s rigorous quality standards. Work with the quality team to address any production defects or deviations and implement corrective actions.
Safety & Compliance: Lead efforts to maintain a safe working environment by adhering to OSHA regulations and Form Energy's safety policies. Conduct regular safety audits and lead safety meetings with supervisors and production teams.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: Work closely with engineering, NPI, and other operational teams to troubleshoot production challenges, integrate process improvements, and scale up production as needed.
Production Metrics & Reporting: Monitor production performance metrics (e.g., throughput, cycle time, yield, downtime) and use data to make decisions, address issues, and drive continuous improvement. Report on production status to senior management.
Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting: Provide hands-on leadership when resolving production issues or process bottlenecks, working with supervisors and associates to ensure smooth operations.
What you'll bring:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field; or equivalent experience in a production management role.
Experience: At least 5 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership role managing production teams or supervisors. Experience in advanced materials, electrochemical systems, or energy storage is a plus.
Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and motivate a team of supervisors and production associates. Strong experience in coaching, mentoring, and developing talent at all levels.
Process Improvement: Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies (such as Kaizen, Six Sigma), and process optimization.
Quality Control: Experience in managing quality assurance programs, identifying quality issues, and implementing corrective actions to maintain high standards.
Safety Focus: Deep understanding of workplace safety regulations (OSHA) and experience in fostering a culture of safety within a manufacturing environment.
Problem-Solving: Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex production issues and identify solutions quickly.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate with supervisors, associates, and cross-functional teams.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to analyze production data, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and use data to drive improvements in production efficiency and quality.
Adaptability: Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with the ability to adjust to shifting priorities as the business scales.
Bonus Qualifications:
Experience in energy storage, electrochemical or battery manufacturing, or high-volume production environments.
Familiarity with quality management systems (ISO 9001, etc.) and regulatory compliance in a manufacturing context.
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Humanity is a cornerstone of Form Energy’s culture, and we make sure our compensation and benefits reflect that. Form Energy offers competitive salaries, stock options, and a holistic benefits package to ensure all employees have what they need to thrive while working here.
When it comes to you and your family’s health, we cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees - and 80% of healthcare premiums for dependents. This starts from day one. We also offer at least 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents (up to 20 weeks for birthing parents), and generous vacation policies to give employees time to recharge when needed.
To build a clean and equitable energy future, we need everyone at the table. We strive to form a team as diverse as the communities we will serve with our technology, and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply to our open jobs.