Production Operations Leader

OverviewLightship is the first American all-electric recreational vehicle manufacturer currently developing an aerodynamic, battery-powered trailer for the electric age. As the macro transition to an all-electric transportation ecosystem accelerates, Lightship is bringing the increased convenience and superior performance that electrification offers to a pastime enjoyed by over 11 million American families.
Honoring Diverse PerspectivesLightship is committed to hiring and developing top talent from diverse backgrounds. We believe representing and supporting diverse groups is key to the success of our team members, customers, shareholders and the achievement of our mission and vision. We operate in a collaborative environment with a flat organizational structure and expect a high degree of integrity, autonomy and creativity from all members of the team.
About the Role
As the Leader of Production Operations, you will own the manufacturing operation at Lightship as we scale production of the first fully electric RV. You will lead three core functions — Production, Manufacturing Engineering, and Facilities — and be responsible for building the operational systems, team, and physical infrastructure needed to grow from early production into repeatable, scalable manufacturing. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires both floor presence and the ability to design and drive the processes that will define how Lightship builds vehicles for years to come.

Responsibilities

Production Operations

• Own end-to-end manufacturing operations for a low-volume, high-mix EV program in active production scaling
• Lead and develop the production team across all build stages, from sub-assembly through final integration and quality gates
• Build the systems, standard work, and processes that enable consistent, repeatable execution as volume grows
• Define and own production KPIs — throughput, cycle time, first-pass yield, labor efficiency — and drive accountability at all levels
• Partner with Supply Chain and Program Management to translate build plans into executable production schedules
• Maintain a floor presence while operating primarily as a systems and process builder

Manufacturing Engineering

• Lead the Manufacturing Engineering function, managing a team responsible for process development, tooling, and production readiness for new and sustaining programs
• Ensure ME is a proactive partner to Product Engineering — influencing design for manufacturability early and supporting the transition from development to production
• Drive change control discipline and the integration of engineering changes into production operations
• Support work instruction quality and accuracy in partnership with Engineering

Facilities

• Own the full facilities function across a current 30,000 sq ft production facility with a planned expansion to 70,000 sq ft
• Lead the new facility buildout — including layout, infrastructure, and production readiness — in close coordination with operations, safety, and external contractors
• Maintain safe, compliant, and efficient operations in the existing facility throughout the expansion transition
• Develop and manage facilities budgets, vendor relationships, and preventive maintenance programs
• Serve as the primary internal owner of the expansion project from planning through occupancy

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing or production operations, with at least 3 years managing managers
• Demonstrated ownership of at least two of the three core functions: production operations, manufacturing engineering, facilities
• Experience in automotive or in precision, low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments
• Proven ability to build operational systems and processes, not just manage to existing ones
• Track record of leading teams through scale — headcount growth, facility expansion, or volume ramp
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills; comfortable working laterally with Supply Chain, Engineering, Sales, and Program Management
• Budget and capital ownership experience
• Demonstrated ability to build and develop high-performing teams, including managing and coaching managers
• Track record of leading through change and ambiguity in fast-moving or resource-constrained environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience scaling a program from early production into higher-volume manufacturing
• Hands-on manufacturing engineering background or experience managing an ME function
• Facility buildout or expansion project ownership
• Familiarity with change control systems and engineering change management processes
• Experie