Location : Kailua, Hawaii
Type : Full-Time, On-Site
Level : Minimum 2-5 years or relevant experience
We’re looking for a hands-on Production Manager to establish and lead our first in-house production operation. You’ll have a unique opportunity to build a production facility from scratch - designing the layout, defining processes, writing SOPs, implementing lean practices, inventory, and building a high-performance production team. You’ll work closely with our product engineering team to help improve the development cycle and reliability, and implement key processes and standards to build a supply chain and production environment.
About Us
We’re a VC-backed ($12M total raised) startup building a next generation heat pump right here in Hawaii, with a pipeline of large scale deployments planned for 2026 and beyond. As we prepare to launch the production of our first product, we’re setting up a small-scale, flexible assembly line designed for rapid iteration and quality manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Process development and improvements
- Design and implement the initial factory layout for low-volume assembly.
- Define workstation configurations, material flow, and ergonomic workflows.
- Develop and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for assembly and testing steps.
- Implement 5S and lean manufacturing methodologies to minimize waste and optimize throughput.
- Establish quality control checkpoints and traceability procedures.
- Continuously analyze performance data and implement improvements to efficiency, yield, and safety.
- Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination
- Set up an inventory management system (IMS) for parts, consumables, and finished goods.
- Define material handling, labeling, and reorder processes.
- Coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure on-time material availability.
- Product and Team Development
- Partner with design, mechanical, and test engineers to resolve manufacturing issues and implement direct changes to the product.
- Define short-term and long-term capacity plans and product roadmap.
- Support pilot builds and ramp-up to larger production volumes.
- Hire and train production support team members.
Qualifications
Minimum 2, preferably 5+ years of hands-on production or manufacturing experience (HVAC, or electro-mechanical assembly preferred - other adjacent industries such as consumer goods, F&B all encouraged to apply).Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, 5S, and Kaizen principles.Skilled in writing SOPs, work instructions, and quality documentation.Familiarity with IMS / ERP systems (e.g., Zoho, Odoo, Fishbowl, ERPEasy, etc.) and production metrics tracking.Comfortable working cross-functionally with engineers, operations, and supply chain teams.Proven leadership and team-building experience.Bonus Points
Experience in HVAC, appliance, or electro-mechanical hardware assembly.Background in small-batch or pilot-scale manufacturing.Exposure to UL, ISO or other safety compliance processes.CAD literacy or familiarity with production fixtures and tooling design.Experience setting up a production line or small manufacturing cell from scratch.Forklift license / equipment handling experienceWhy Join
You’ll be helping to design not just the product — but the entire production ecosystem that brings it to life. If you’re passionate about building physical products, enjoy working hands-on, and love creating order and efficiency from scratch, we’d love to meet you.