Head of Manufacturing

The role

The Head of Manufacturing will own the end-to-end build-out of production capabilities from the ground up. This person will design production lines for modular power systems, control inventory and costs, and build the manufacturing organization.

What you will do

• Lead the design, commissioning, and optimization of production lines for modular power units from scratch.
• Build and scale a high-performing technician and manufacturing team in a startup environment.
• Drive production ramp: pilot modules in 2026 followed by volume scaling in 2027 and beyond.
• Own manufacturing strategy, process simplification, cost estimation/control for lines and products, and continuous improvement.
• Get hands-on with assembly processes.
• Implement production algorithms and workflows that prioritize simplicity, speed, and cost collapse.
• Partner with engineering to influence design for manufacturability and scalability.
• Build robust supply chain interfaces, quality systems, and safety protocols.
• Ensure all product compliance documentation is available to ensure commissioning acceptance.
• Foster a mission-driven culture aligned with climate impact and rapid innovation.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or mechanical engineering or another related field, or the equivalent experience
• 5+ years of proven experience building and scaling production lines in complex modular or large-scale assembly environments such as aerospace, industrial processing, energy,, oil and gas, or automotiv
• Strong background in fluid systems, mechanical assembly, metallurgy, and manufacturing processes such as welding, brazing, bolted joints, 5-axis machining, 3D printing, heat treatments, etc.
• An established network of hardware suppliers and an understanding of what value they bring as compared to their competitors/contemporaries.
• Startup mentality: comfortable getting hands dirty, wearing multiple hats, and thriving in ambiguity.
• Deep understanding of production economics: able to estimate and drive down costs to create and operate manufacturing lines.
• Track record of scaling technician workforces and transitioning from prototype/low volume to higher volume production.
• Mission-oriented with genuine interest in climate tech, contributing positively to the planet, and energy transformation.

Nice to have

• You have been part of a team that designed and commissioned a power generation or processing plant
• Experience designing for classified hazardous areas (NEC Class I Division 2)
• Experience with compliance to ASME B31.1
• Experience with rotating equipment such as turbines, compressors, and pumps and their assembly

Benefits

• 100% company-covered Platinum or HD/HSA (with company contribution) medical
• 100% company-covered dental and vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401k retirement options
• Daily catered lunch
• Free EV charging
• Several annual social and team building outings

About the company

Critical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company that designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants. The company aims to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy.