Sr. Manager, Operations, Solar Manufacturing

Description:
The Sr. Manager, Operations is a founding leader in our new Solar Manufacturing group, with full accountability for production, engineering, and maintenance across a greenfield facility. This is a high-impact, hands-on role for an experienced manufacturing executive who thrives on building organizations from the ground up — launching operations, scaling teams, and instilling a culture of safety, quality, and relentless improvement. You will set the operational tone for the entire site and be a key driver in making this a world-class manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities:
Own the full operations scope. Lead production, engineering, and maintenance as an integrated operation — accountable for safety, quality, first-time yield (FTY), uptime, delivery-to-plan, staffing, and cost
Launch and scale. Spearhead the start-up, ramp, and optimization of the large scale, key process facility — from equipment commissioning through full-rate production — with urgency and precision
Build and lead the team. Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing organization of salaried and hourly team members; set clear expectations, coach relentlessly, and hold the bar high
Drive operational discipline. Establish and sustain process control systems, 5S standards, documentation practices, and daily/weekly/monthly KPI rhythms that keep the operation running at peak performance
Champion safety and quality. Create a zero-compromise culture around safety and product quality; ensure best practices are embedded into every process and every layer of the team
Deliver continuous improvement. Identify, prioritize, and execute CI initiatives across safety, environmental, quality, cost, efficiency, and throughput; benchmark externally and bring best practices in
Maintain equipment and facilities. Drive implementation of a robust preventative maintenance program; act decisively on corrective actions to keep equipment in optimal condition and minimize downtime
Lead new product and process introductions. Partner with design and engineering teams to manage NPI and material introductions — owning process plans, budget tracking, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation

Requirements:
Degree in Engineering or equivalent professional experience
12+ years in high-volume, high-speed manufacturing — solar or semiconductor strongly preferred; 9+ years in progressive operations leadership roles
Proven builder. Demonstrated success recruiting, developing, and scaling top-performing manufacturing organizations — from start-up through steady-state at volume
Start-up and ramp expertise. Hands-on experience leading greenfield process and equipment start-ups, managing ramp curves, and closing gaps quickly
NPI fluency. Track record managing new product and material introductions in a high-complexity manufacturing environment
Analytical rigor. Data-driven decision-maker who leverages metrics, root-cause analysis, and structured problem-solving to drive outcomes
Grace under pressure. Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments; manages competing priorities, hits deadlines, and follows through without losing composure
Communication. Clear, direct communicator — equally effective on the shop floor and in front of senior leadership; fluent in multi-cultural, multi-functional team environments
Drive and ownership. Strong sense of urgency, bias to action, and personal accountability for results

Compensation & Benefits:
Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
Tesla Babies program
Commuter benefits
Employee discounts and perks program