Build Operations Manager

About the role

Heron Power is developing hardware to modernize the electrical grid and accelerate the transition to renewable energy. This role manages the transition from prototype builds to volume production, leading the pilot technician team and defining the processes that turn engineering designs into high-quality hardware. The Build Operations Manager is responsible for owning the end-to-end execution of build programs, ensuring that complex hardware moves from initial concept to reliable, scalable production. This position requires a hands-on leader who is comfortable getting physically involved in the factory while simultaneously driving process discipline and operational excellence. The manager will define the standard work for the pilot team and create the conditions that allow engineering designs to be reproduced consistently and reliably. They will act as the central coordination point aligning design, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality around a single, executable build plan. Success in this role means delivering builds on schedule, meeting quality targets, and de-risking the industrialization of new grid hardware.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage end-to-end build program execution, including scheduling, resourcing, and readiness gates.
• Hire, manage, and develop the pilot technician team.
• Coordinate across design, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure builds follow a unified plan.
• Maintain readiness plans for part availability, tooling, and engineering changes.
• Oversee the transition of early manufacturing processes to the production plant.
• Track engineering change cutovers and manage unique builds like qualification or demo units.
• Monitor build health, on-time delivery, and risk through dashboards and KPI reporting.
• Identify cost and process improvements and drive root-cause analysis for build-related issues.
• Own the detailed build schedule and sequencing, ensuring dependencies between hardware, software, and test are respected.
• Define and document build procedures to ensure consistency across pilot and production units.
• Partner with supply chain to secure critical components and mitigate lead-time or quality risks.
• Conduct readiness reviews before each build phase to confirm that tools, training, and documentation are in place.
• Drive the implementation of corrective and preventive actions based on build performance data.
• Support the development of standard work instructions and test procedures for the production team.
• Liaise with engineering to validate design for manufacturability and support design freeze decisions.
• Establish metrics and reporting cadence to communicate build status and risks to executive stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving sessions to resolve blockers that delay build completion.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and documentation standards throughout the build lifecycle.
• Represent the build operations function in cross-departmental planning and prioritization meetings.
• Continuously evaluate tools, equipment, and processes to improve build efficiency and output quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in NPI, prototype builds, or manufacturing engineering.
• 2 to 3+ years of experience managing a technician or build team.
• Proven ability to own prototype or early engineering build programs from start to finish.
• Experience transitioning hardware from prototype stages to volume production.
• Ability to work hands-on in a factory environment while building out organizational structure.
• Strong communication skills to hold cross-functional teams accountable for build readiness.
• Demonstrated skill in managing competing priorities and meeting demanding project timelines.
• Experience with risk assessment, issue tracking, and corrective action processes.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, hardware-focused environment with evolving requirements.
• Willingness to follow documented procedures while contributing to their continuous improvement.
• High attention to detail to ensure build instructions are accurate and complete.
• Professional mindset with strong ownership, integrity, and commitment to operational excellence.
• Ability to travel as required for business needs and to support manufacturing operations.

Nice to have

• Background in power electronics, energy storage, or complex electromechanical hardware.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, or similar industrialization frameworks.
• Proficiency in building program dashboards and reporting KPIs to executive leadership.
• Familiarity with VAVE or cost-reduction initiatives.
• Experience using Jira, Confluence, or similar program tracking tools.

Skills & tools

• NPI and manufacturing program management
• Team leadership and development
• Cross-functional coordination
• Supply chain and risk management
• Build readiness and change management
• Data reporting and KPI tracking

Practical notes

This is an on-site position based in Scotts Valley. The role offers a path for growth within the company, potentially leading to a Head of Production position as manufacturing scales. Applicants should be prepared for a role that blends technical depth with operational leadership in a growing hardware business.