Vice President of Manufacturing

About Viridan Group and Role Overview

Viridan Group partners with a financially strong, deep-technology hardware company that develops advanced computing systems aimed at enabling clients to achieve remarkable advancements in computational capabilities. This role offers the opportunity to join an elite team composed of scientists, engineers, and business experts focused on pushing the frontiers of next-generation computing technology.

The Vice President of Manufacturing will assume both strategic and operational charge of the manufacturing sector, specifically overseeing the production, testing, and scale-up of sophisticated precision computing hardware. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and acting as an integral part of the senior leadership team, the role involves transforming strategic direction into effective manufacturing capacity and execution, as well as establishing and guiding a high-performing manufacturing department from its inception.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive manufacturing strategy and plan to increase production of cutting-edge computing systems in alignment with corporate growth objectives.
• Act as a trusted strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership on matters concerning manufacturing capacity, capital budget, expansion of facilities, and long-term operational targets.
• Build, lead, and nurture a multi-tier manufacturing team, focusing on recruitment, leadership development, and retention.
• Design and constantly refine manufacturing processes for advanced, precision-based hardware production including environments such as cleanrooms and complex assembly/testing facilities, ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Define, track, and report manufacturing performance metrics related to efficiency, timely deliveries, and error reduction to senior leadership and board members.
• Maintain a safe, healthy workplace in accordance with relevant federal and state regulatory requirements, collaborating closely with the Facilities department.
• Oversee the acquisition of capital equipment, optimize facility layouts, and embrace new technological solutions for manufacturing improvements.
• Lead workforce planning efforts, including hiring, training, and appraising manufacturing personnel.
• Structure departmental management and teams to ensure operational scalability and effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

• At least 12 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in manufacturing roles, with a minimum of 5 years at the Vice President, Senior Director, or similar executive position.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related discipline is mandatory; higher academic qualifications are desirable.
• Proven expertise managing manufacturing teams within advanced technology fields such as semiconductors, aerospace/satellite systems, photonics, or related deep-tech hardware.
• Successful track record of scaling manufacturing operations from prototype or low-volume stages to higher volume production.
• Experience in building layered teams and grooming leaders at various organizational levels.
• Demonstrated P&L management experience within a complex manufacturing context, preferably in a late-stage startup environment.
• Exceptional communication skills tailored to executive and board-level audiences.
• Familiarity with manufacturing quality standards like ISO 9001 and regulatory compliance and safety requirements.
• Capability to set long-range objectives and convert them into practical, organization-wide execution plans.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in manufacturing optical systems is advantageous.
• Experience working within fast-growing, venture-backed startup or scale-up companies is beneficial.

Compensation and Benefits

The company provides a well-rounded benefits package alongside a competitive base salary, annual performance bonuses, and equity participation options.