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.

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.

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.

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.