Nautilus Defense LLC Plant Manager Pawtucket, RI · Full time

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Rhode Island based Nautilus Defense builds state-of-the-art textile-integrated systems for monitoring high-value assets and their environments. Our technologies enable the broad distribution and interconnection of electronics in textiles without detracting from their mechanical properties. We leverage these technologies to develop systems of immediate value to our customers while continuously advancing their readiness for manufacturing and use at scale.

Nautilus is a small interdisciplinary team structured to facilitate the rapid experimental development of novel integrated systems. Nautilus team members all demonstrate high levels of technical leadership and personal autonomy. The ideal candidate for this position has experience working both independently and as a member of a fast-moving, high-performing team. The ability to define and organize work and navigate technical, operational, and team dynamics is key to success in this position.  

Nautilus is seeking a Senior Plant Manager to design, implement, and manage our manufacturing resources. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with technical background and project and plant manager experience to provide leadership and oversight of contract execution. This leader will collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and external partners to deliver prototyping projects, support work to move product manufacturing from prototyping to production, oversee plant resources, and develop, document, improve, automate, and train teams on new plant capabilities. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Define and manage successful delivery of projects to the customer 
• Lead day-to-day production operations to meet throughput, quality, safety, and delivery goals. 
• Resource Management:  
• Define and document project responsibilities with stakeholders internally and with partners 
• Develop a management and communication plan 
• Manage resource capacity across projects 
• Stakeholder and Customer Management: Serve as primary conduit for project communications and lead reporting 
• Risk Management: Raise, manage, and resolve risks and issues amongst project members 
• Supplier and Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with the supply chain department and principal investigator to manage schedules, communication, and reporting with vendors and partner 
• Documentation and Reporting: Compile, maintain, and review project and deliverables documentation, status, risks, and communications as required 
• Quality and Compliance: Ensure relevant regulations, compliance policies, company policies, and industry standards such as IPC are followed  
• Continuous Improvement of Project and Program Management: Assess, develop, and improve production and testing towards lean production 
• Manage transitions from setup to full production, including process handover and documentation. 
• Ensure the plant meets all local, state, and federal regulatory requirements before and after launch. 
• Support integration of automation, control systems, and digital tools into the plant. 
• Support the health, skills, and availability of resources 
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Preferred Skills and Experience:  

• Exceptional communication skills; oral, written, and presentation   
• Exceptional organization and documentation skills 
• 7+ years of manufacturing operations leadership 
• A university degree or equivalent work experience required with an Engineering degree preferred 
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a project management role for complex technical multi-disciplinary projects 
• Experience with projects in research and development and building manufacturing capability preferred  
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs, SmartSheet, ERP, and other project tools 
• Strong background in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and daily management systems. 
• Experience driving production metrics including throughput, labor efficiency, quality, safety, and on-time delivery. 
• Familiarity and experience with project and product life cycles types including waterfall and agile methodologies 
• Good understanding of contract manufacturing in high-tech manufacturing environment including electrical, mechanical, and software components 
• Experience in a compliance-oriented environment is a plus 
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills 
• Ability to take initiative, solve problems, work independently, and self-motivate to meet project milestones in a fast-paced environment  
• Ability to work on small teams pursuing ambitious technical development goals 
• Professional and constructive attitude 
• Exceptional work ethic: professional, timely, transparent, and integrity