What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP of Manufacturing Operations/General Manager position at Fabric8Labs?
Nestled in the vibrant innovation hub of San Diego, CA, Fabric8Labs is redefining what's possible with metal 3D printing. Our patented Electrochemical Additive Manufacturing (ECAM) process is unlocking new frontiers and applications in advanced manufacturing. With the momentum of a successful Series B funding round, we're scaling up to bring our groundbreaking technology to market.
As VP of Manufacturing Operations/General Manager, you will lead the strategy, execution, and scaling of Fabric8Labs’ manufacturing capabilities from pilot production to high-volume operations. You’ll own the deployment and operation of new and existing facilities, driving efficiency, quality, and throughput across the organization. This role blends hands-on operational leadership with strategic planning—requiring a strong balance of technical expertise, organizational skill, and executive presence. You’ll collaborate across engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to implement lean systems, optimize workflows, and ensure world-class manufacturing performance. As a key member of the leadership team, you’ll shape the company’s vision, build high-performing teams, and drive the growth and expansion of Fabric8Labs’ manufacturing platform.
Backed by industry giants like Intel Capital, TDK Ventures, NEA, Stanley Black and Decker, and Mark Cuban: Fabric8Labs is not just a company, but a launchpad for those eager to push boundaries, think differently, and make a lasting impact on the future of manufacturing. If you are ready to turn bold ideas into reality, we'd love to have you onboard.
Scale a Manufacturing Platform
- Build and execute the operational roadmap to scale ECAM manufacturing from pilot lines to high-volume production, including multi-site expansion.
- Design and optimize production workflows, capacity models, and facility layouts to support growth.
- Implement lean systems and continuous improvement practices to drive efficiency and yield.
Own Manufacturing Execution
- Lead daily operations with an eye on throughput, quality, and uptime.
- Collaborate closely with engineering to scale new processes and ensure manufacturability of new products.
- Use data and metrics to guide decisions and drive accountability across operations.
Build a High-Performance Supply Chain
- Develop a resilient, cost-effective supply chain for materials, chemicals, substrates, and critical equipment.
- Manage vendor relationships and logistics to ensure availability and scalability.
- Optimize sourcing strategies to balance cost, quality, and flexibility.
Champion Quality and Compliance
- Establish world-class quality systems and traceability infrastructure for mission-critical parts.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards (ISO, ITAR, DFARS) while maintaining agility.
- Drive a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Lead and Inspire Teams
- Build and develop a cross-functional operations team spanning production, supply chain, and quality.
- Foster a culture of ownership, safety, and operational excellence.
- Empower teams with clear goals, metrics, and room to innovate.
Drive Growth and Scale
- Own operational budgets, capital planning, and cost-control initiatives.
- Partner with the CEO and executive team on strategic growth plans and capacity expansion.
- Evaluate and implement automation, digital manufacturing, and data tools to scale efficiently.
What You Bring
- 10 years of operations leadership in advanced or precision manufacturing.
- Proven experience scaling production from prototype to volume manufacturing.
- Proven experience leading the end-to-end stand-up of greenfield facilities.
- Experience overseeing multi-site operations.
- Experience managing international facility operations strongly preferred
- Strong background in process engineering, supply chain management, and quality systems.
- Hands-on experience implementing lean manufacturing or Six Sigma practices.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- A builder’s mindset: analytical, collaborative, and unafraid to get into the details.
- Passion for technology, manufacturing, and leading teams through rapid growth.
Why Work at Fabric8Labs?
- We pay a competitive salary and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: equity/stock option grant, health, dental and vision plans; 401(k) with a generous employer match; and an unmetered vacation policy. Plus our break room is always stocked!
- We are a collaborative, cross-functional and driven team working on cutting-edge technology and research. Your voice truly matters; we want your perspective at the table.
- We celebrate with our employees: regular catered company events and celebrations.
Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications. The expected salary range for this role is $135,000 to $270,000 annually.
Fabric8Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Pay: $135,000.00 - $270,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $135,000 - $270,000