Head of Manufacturing Operations

About Etched

Etched is building AI chips that are hard-coded for individual model architectures. Our first product (Sohu) only supports transformers, but has an order of magnitude more throughput and lower latency than a B200. With Etched ASICs, you can build products that would be impossible with GPUs, like real-time video generation models and extremely deep & parallel chain-of-thought reasoning agents.

Job Summary

We’re seeking a results-driven Head of Manufacturing Operations to lead the execution and scaling of our hardware production capabilities. This role will oversee three critical verticals: Manufacturing Operations Program Management (OPM), Trade Compliance, and RMA/Spare Parts Management. You’ll be responsible for standing up and maturing Etched’s manufacturing systems and infrastructure, ensuring seamless new product introductions, compliance with international trade laws, and efficient post-deployment serviceability.

Key responsibilities

Manufacturing Program Leadership

• Own and drive end-to-end manufacturing operations from engineering builds to full-scale production.

• Lead the Manufacturing Operations Program Management (OPM) function, ensuring alignment across design, supply chain, and manufacturing partners.

• Build and manage schedules, manufacturing & supply chain readiness (manufacturing process, testing and material readiness), yields, capacity, test infrastructure across all production phases.

Manufacturing Partner Management

• Act as primary interface to manufacturing partner for build schedule, escalation blockers, drive issue resolution and track action closure

• Work side by side with internal teams, lead day to day operation effort with manufacturing partner, covering build schedule, quality, cost and material status

• Manage JDM manufacturing partner readiness (together with manufacturing engineering team), including SMT, system integration, test infrastructure and manufacturing process validation

• Drive manufacturing cost reduction (test time reduction, alternate sourcing qualification)

• Ensure smooth transition from proto to MP, working together with design and manufacturing engineering team

Regulatory and Technical Compliance

• Develop and maintain robust trade compliance programs aligned with U.S. and international regulations (e.g., CE, UL, ROHS, REACH, FCC).

• Collaborate with legal, engineering and supply chain to ensure correct documentation, licensing, and processes for global shipments and imports.

• Implement compliance controls and audits to minimize risk and ensure operational continuity.

RMA and Spare Parts Management

• Establish a scalable RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) system for field failure management, returns processing, and root cause analysis.

• Oversee the spare parts lifecycle, including forecasting, stocking strategies, and global distribution to minimize downtime.

• Build processes and infrastructure for serviceability and customer support readiness.

Team Building & Leadership

• Build and mentor a cross-functional manufacturing operations team.

• Establish a culture of accountability, agility, and continuous improvement.

• Develop key metrics and reporting frameworks to ensure visibility across operations.

You may be a good fit if you have (Must-have qualifications)

• Can do attitude. Ability to wear multiple hats and thrive in a fast paced environment.

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with a strong background in scaling systems from prototype to production.

• Proven leadership experience across multiple domains including manufacturing program management

• Experience managing RMA and spare parts infrastructure in a high-performance hardware environment.

• Strong project management, vendor management, and cross-functional communication skills.

Strong candidates may also have experience with (Nice-to-have qualifications)

• Experience in semiconductors, AI infrastructure, or data center-scale hardware.

• Familiarity with PLM and ERP systems (e.g., Arena, SAP, Oracle).

• Technical background in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, and vision packages, with generous premium coverage

• Housing subsidy of $2,000/month for those living within walking distance of the office

• Dai