Critical Energy

Head of Manufacturing

Hawthorne, CA

Sponsorship not specified$180k-$220kDetected 26 days ago

AlgorithmsSupply ChainMechanical DesignPower ElectronicsLeadershipProblem Solving

About the role

We are seeking our first Head of Manufacturing to own the end-to-end build-out of our production capabilities from the ground up.
This is a hands-on leadership role - you will be on the floor building, problem-solving, and leading by example while structuring processes for rapid ramp-up.
You will collaborate closely with engineering and leadership to simplify designs for manufacturability, drive costs down toward the idiot index (minimizing cost relative to raw materials through smart process design), and deliver reliable modules on schedule and budget.

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
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.
You will design and stand up production lines for modular power systems, control inventory and costs, and build the manufacturing organization.
You have been part of a team that designed and commissioned a power generation or processing plant

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing or mechanical engineering or another related field, or the equivalent experience
Track record of scaling technician workforces and transitioning from prototype/low volume to higher volume production.

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

To build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation.
We are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting-edge solutions to meet the world's energy needs with 100% clean energy.
We are in the initial stages of development and building our team.
This is your chance to join on the ground floor of something big!
If you are ready to work at a fun, fast-paced, groundbreaking organization that is positioned to revolutionize geothermal energy, apply today!
Critical Energy is an innovative, early-stage, venture-backed cleantech company on a mission to accelerate the global energy transition through abundant, low-cost clean energy.
Founded by an ex-SpaceX engineer, Critical Energy designs and manufactures factory-built, modular power plants.
These rapidly deployable systems convert heat into electricity using a closed-loop thermodynamic cycle and can be installed in just weeks.
Critical Energy's technology delivers high-efficiency, 24/7 power for geothermal applications and waste heat recovery (including from data center gas turbines), making clean energy practical and cost-effective for demanding sectors like AI hyperscalers and data centers.
Backed by top climate and technology investors, Critical Energy is scaling rapidly.

This listing is sourced directly from Critical Energy's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.