Vice President of Manufacturing

Modern Hydrogen is seeking a Vice President of Manufacturing to join our Manufacturing team based in Woodinville, WA. The ideal candidate is mission-driven and excited to contribute to a fast-paced, cleantech company focused on decarbonizing the energy system. This role requires a demonstrated commitment to excellence, a mindset of constant improvement, a strong sense of ownership, and the ability to fail well and adapt quickly. The successful candidate values time, works with urgency, embraces effective teamwork, and thrives in a culture that prioritizes safety. 

Position Summary:  

Vice President of Manufacturing will lead the creation, development, and scale-up of our manufacturing organization. This leader will be responsible for building high-performing teams, establishing robust manufacturing processes and procedures, and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, cost-effective products to our growing customer base. 

This role requires a precise balance of strategic leadership and hands-on execution. This role will guide the organization through the critical transition from early-stage, low-volume builds to a scalable, high-volume manufacturing environment, ensuring processes, teams, and systems evolve in step with the company’s growth. The VP of Manufacturing must be able to operate at the executive level while also staying close to the details of tactical manufacturing execution & growth. The ideal candidate will help to shape product design iterations in close collaboration with Engineering to translate engineering intent into products that can be produced efficiently, reliably, and at competitive cost. 

This role will include leadership & oversight of supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, and facilities. Reporting to the SVP of Engineering, the VP of Manufacturing will be accountable for executing the company’s long-term vision of achieving cost-down through high-volume, standardized, and efficient manufacturing. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:  

• Lead the manufacturing organization, providing both strategic direction and hands-on operational support. 

• Ensure processes, documentation, and quality controls are right sized for the company’s current growth stage, while laying the groundwork for future scalability. 

• Partner and collaborate with Engineering to influence product design iterations from a DFM/DFA and cost-down perspective, ensuring designs are manufacturable, efficient, and cost-effective. 

• Implement scalable workflows and systems that support the transition from low volume builds to high-volume, standardized production. 

• Establish and track key performance metrics across cost, efficiency, yield, and throughput. 

• Take ownership of supply chain and procurement strategy, including supplier selection, management, and material readiness. 

• Manage manufacturing facilities, including layout, space utilization, equipment commissioning, safety, and expansion planning. 

• Build and mentor a strong manufacturing team, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. 

• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to overall operational and company strategy. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes. 

Required Qualifications: 

• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing/operations leadership, with at least 5 years in a senior role (Director, VP, or equivalent). 

• Demonstrated success scaling manufacturing from early-stage/low-volume builds to sustained high-volume production. 

• Strong background in DFM/DFA, cost-down engineering, and influencing product design for manufacturability and efficiency. 

• Proven ability to design and implement processes and procedures that are appropriate for organizational maturity, avoiding both over-engineering and under-control. 

• Experience with cost modeling, COGS analysis, process efficiency, and supplier quality management. 

• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and lean manufacturing methodologies. 

• Proven success building and leading teams across manufacturing, supply chain, and facilities. 

• Exceptional cross-functional communication skills and a collaborative leadership style. 

• Proven track record transitioning products from Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) to standardized, high-volume production. 

Working Conditions: 

This role is onsite and requires the employee to work in person at our Woodinville facility on a regular basis. This person is expected to be present at the workplace during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, unless otherwise approved by their manager. 

About Us: 

Modern Hydrogen is an energy & materials company. Our proprietary methane pyrolysis technology converts natural gas into high-value hydrogen while producing solid carbon for asphalt, which is used to strengthen roads. By producing hydrogen at the point of use, Modern Hydrogen helps utilities & industry extend the value of their existing energy infrastructure and reduce emissions, all the while maintaining energy security and affordability. Backed by top investors and customers like Bill Gates, NextEra Energy, and National Grid, Modern Hydrogen is redefining how natural gas resources can become more valuable and sustainable in and beyond the energy industry. 

What We Offer: 

Modern Hydrogen offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families: 

• Pay Range: $200K – $250K / year. *Final compensation may vary based on location, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, etc. 

• Equity: Company ownership through incentive stock options (ISOs). 

• Retirement Savings: SIMPLE IRA plan with a 3% company match. 

• Employee Health Coverage: $15 PPO or HSA medical, dental and vision plan through Premera, with an optional upgrade to advanced vision coverage with VSP.  

• Dependent Health Coverage: 50% company-paid. 

• Optional Health Savings: Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for eligible medical plans. 

• Life and AD&D Insurance: Company paid $100,000 benefit with an option to purchase supplemental coverage. 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, wellness, and life planning. 

• Paid Time Off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) and 8 company-paid holidays. 

• Paid Parental Leave: Paid time away to welcome a new family member. 

• Professional Development: Annual budget for learning and growth opportunities (manager approval required). 

• Immigration Sponsorship and Relocation Support: May be offered for exceptional talent based on role and business needs. 

• Additional perks: A dog-friendly office, a fully stocked breakroom, regular team lunches, and more! 

Modern Hydrogen is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Modern Hydrogen encourages individuals from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities in the energy and technology sectors, to apply. Applicants requiring assistance or accommodation due to a disability may contact careers@modernhydrogen.com to ensure the application process is accessible.