Production Manager, Wound Film Capacitors

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!

This is a full-time, onsite role based at our Tucson, AZ facility.

The Production Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and consistent execution of daily manufacturing operations for Xcimer's wound film capacitor production line. This position provides hands-on leadership to machine operators, assemblers, and manufacturing technicians, ensuring production schedules are achieved, employees are properly trained, quality requirements are followed, and manufacturing documentation is accurately maintained. The Production Manager works closely with Production Engineering, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Materials Management to resolve production issues and support the transition from pilot manufacturing to higher-volume production.

Position Objective

Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity objectives through effective workforce management, adherence to established manufacturing procedures, and continuous operational improvement.

Responsibilities

Production Operations

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise daily manufacturing activities to meet established production schedules.

• Release work weekly to ensure the production line has kitted, sequenced work available

• Assign personnel and prioritize work based on production requirements, material availability, and equipment capacity.

• Conduct daily production meetings and communicate priorities, performance, and operational concerns.

• Ensure employees follow approved work instructions, operating procedures, and quality requirements.

• Monitor production progress, identify bottlenecks, and coordinate corrective actions with supporting departments.

• Work to develop tools for swift monitoring of throughput, and WIP status.

• Ensure production records and work order transactions are accurately completed

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise, coach, and develop production leads, operators, assemblers, and technicians.

• Coordinate employee training and maintain accurate qualification records.

• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback.

• Manage attendance, workforce assignments, and staffing requirements.

• Promote accountability, teamwork, and a positive manufacturing culture.

• Staff ahead of rate; forecast headcount against production ramp, build the technician pipeline with Recruiting, interview, and onboard hires.

Quality

• Ensure manufacturing activities comply with established quality standards and approved procedures.

• Monitor scrap, rework, first-pass yield, and production defects.

• Identify and communicate quality concerns to Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Engineering and Process engineering.

• Support investigations (N/C and RCCA) and implementation of approved corrective actions.

• Ensure nonconforming materials and products are properly identified, documented, and controlled.

• Coordinate electrical acceptance testing and refer nonconforming results to authorized Quality and Engineering personnel for disposition.

• Document workmanship issues and corrective actions effectively.

Process Improvement and Standard Work

• Reinforce employee compliance with established manufacturing processes and work instructions.

• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, productivity, material handling, and workplace organization.

• Participate in continuous improvement activities and support implementation of approved process changes.

• Provide operational feedback to Manufacturing and Process Engineering regarding equipment performance, work instructions, and manufacturing challenges.

• Assist with employee training when new or revised processes are introduced.

• Support PFMEA, JHA, and process improvement activities as a production representative when requested.

Equipment and Maintenance

• Ensure operators perform required equipment inspections and routine operator maintenance.

• Report equipment malfunctions and coordinate repair priorities with Maintenance.

• Monitor equipment availability and communicate production impacts.

• Support equipment installations, upgrades, and process changes as directed by Engineering and Maintenance.

Safety

• Maintain a safe, organized manufacturing environment.

• Enforce applicable safety procedures, PPE requirements, and safe equipment operation.

• Conduct routine safety observations and address unsafe conditions.

• Participate in incident investigations and corrective action implementation.

• Promote housekeeping and 5S practices.

Materials and Inventory

• Coordinate material availability with Purchasing and Inventory Control.

• Ensure proper material identification, handling, storage, and traceability.

• Monitor inventory and clear to build status on a weekly basis. Ensure accurate inventory levels are being tracked on production floor.

• Work to establish best practices for material movement, and traceability.

• Monitor work-in-process inventory and material flow.

• Support inventory accuracy and FIFO requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent practical experience acceptable.

• Five or more years of manufacturing experience, including at least two years in a supervisory or production leadership role.

• Demonstrated ability to lead manufacturing personnel and achieve production objectives.

• Experience with production scheduling, workforce management, quality compliance, and manufacturing documentation.

• Ability to transfer raw data into useable dashboards and metrics. SQL experience is a plus.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.

• Ability to interpret work instructions, production reports, and basic manufacturing performance data.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and familiarity with MES or ERP systems; training on Boltline will be provided.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee of granted asylum.

Desired

• Electronics, capacitor, or precision manufacturing.

• Winding, assembly, or electrical testing operations.

• High-voltage manufacturing environments.

• Vacuum drying or impregnation operations.

• ISO 9001 or similar quality systems.

• Lean Manufacturing and 5S.

• Manufacturing line startup or production ramp-up.

• Experience supervising skilled manufacturing technicians.

Working Conditions
The role operates primarily in a manufacturing environment with frequent presence on the production floor. This position requires interaction with production personnel, engineering staff, quality assurance, and maintenance.

Physical requirements. The essential functions of this role require the ability to: remain on one's feet and move about the production floor for the majority of an eight-hour shift; frequently lift, carry, and position materials up to 30 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance or mechanical aid; use hands and fingers for fine manipulation of small components; reach, bend, stoop, and kneel; distinguish colors and read small print for inspection tasks; and wear required personal protective equipment. The role involves exposure to solvents, oils, resins, elevated temperatures near drying and impregnation equipment, and high-voltage test areas, all under documented engineering and administrative controls. Xcimer will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Shift and schedule. Overtime and occasional weekend coverage are required to support build schedules. This is an on-site role and is not eligible for remote work.

Reporting
Reports To

Senior Operations Manager, Capacitor Manufacturing (Tucson).

Supervises

Production Leads, Machine Operators, Assemblers, Manufacturing Technicians, and other production personnel.