Solar Array Production Manager

Production Manager

Apex is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead our high-volume solar array manufacturing operations and deliver world-class products on aggressive timelines. This role requires a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, drives continuous improvement, and isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. You will be responsible for managing production teams, optimizing processes, and ensuring we meet our ambitious production targets while maintaining the highest quality standards for solar array systems.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of production technicians to achieve daily, weekly, and monthly solar array production goals
• Own end-to-end production operations for assigned solar array manufacturing areas, from raw materials (solar cells) to finished solar panels and mechanical deployment systems for solar blankets
• Oversee the manufacturing of mechanical deploy systems for solar blankets, ensuring proper integration, functionality, and reliability of deployment mechanisms
• Drive operational excellence through lean manufacturing principles, identifying and eliminating waste in all forms of solar array production
• Develop and execute production schedules that balance efficiency, quality, and delivery commitments for solar array orders
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, supply chain, and maintenance teams to resolve production constraints and drive continuous improvement in solar manufacturing processes
• Implement process improvements that increase throughput, reduce cycle time, and lower manufacturing costs for solar array production
• Monitor key performance indicators (panel efficiency, defect rates, production yield, deployment system performance) and take immediate corrective action when metrics fall outside acceptable ranges
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and foster a culture where safety is never compromised in solar manufacturing operations
• Manage equipment reliability programs for solar array production equipment (laminators, stringers, testing stations) and coordinate with maintenance teams to minimize unplanned downtime
• Build and maintain a high-performance culture focused on accountability, urgency, and results in solar array manufacturing
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for quality escapes (cell breakage, delamination, electrical failures, deployment mechanism issues) and production disruptions
• Drive workforce planning, hiring, and training initiatives to support rapid scaling of solar array production capacity

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or 7+ years of professional experience in a high-rate manufacturing/production environment (solar, semiconductor, or electronics manufacturing preferred)
• 2+ years of experience directly managing teams of 20+ employees
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Proven track record of meeting aggressive production targets in a high-volume manufacturing environment
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive decision-making
• Experience developing and implementing new features in ERP/MES systems for use by production personnel
• Demonstrated ability and passion for people leadership, focused on coaching and mentoring team members to drive strong performance
• Knowledge of solar panel manufacturing processes, quality standards (IEC 61215, UL 1703), and testing procedures is a plus
• Experience with mechanical assembly and deployment systems is a plus

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.