Sr Manufacturing Manager

T1 Energy is bringing solar manufacturing back to the U.S. by building a domestic solar supply chain. Our mission is to invigorate America with scalable, reliable, and low-cost energy. Our fully operational 5GW solar module facility in Wilmer, Texas, can manufacture more than 20,000 modules every 24 hours. By the time you finish reading this paragraph, we will have produced two solar panels that will power American homes and fuel domestic AI. We're focused on building advanced American manufacturing and we're passionate about engineering a better future filled with abundant energy.

The Role

T1 Energy is looking to hire a Senior Manufacturing Manager who is responsible for leading and optimizing all manufacturing operations within a solar production facility. This role oversees production, safety, quality, maintenance, workforce development, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality manufacturing of solar products. The position partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, and Operations leadership to achieve business objectives and support capacity expansion.

What You’ll Do

Manufacturing Operations

• Lead daily manufacturing operations across solar module, cell, wafer, or component production lines.

• Ensure production targets are achieved for safety, quality, throughput, yield, and cost.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including OEE, cycle time, scrap, downtime, yield, and labor productivity.

• Develop and execute production plans aligned with customer demand and business objectives.

• Drive operational excellence and manufacturing efficiency across all shifts.

Leadership & Team Development

• Manage and develop Production Managers, Supervisors, Engineers, and Manufacturing staff.

• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

• Support workforce planning, succession planning, hiring, training, and employee development.

• Lead cross-functional teams to resolve operational challenges and improve performance.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and Kaizen initiatives.

• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, yield, equipment utilization, and cost performance.

• Implement best practices and standard work procedures across manufacturing operations.

• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ISO standards, customer requirements, and company quality systems.

• Partner with Quality teams to reduce defects and improve process capability.

• Support audits, corrective actions, and continuous quality improvement programs.

• Maintain compliance with applicable environmental and regulatory requirements.

Safety & Environmental Management

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all EHS regulations and policies.

• Lead safety initiatives, risk assessments, and incident investigations.

• Drive improvements in workplace safety and environmental performance.

Strategic Planning

• Support factory expansion, capacity planning, and new product introductions.

• Collaborate with Engineering and Maintenance teams on equipment upgrades and automation projects.

• Participate in annual budgeting, capital expenditure planning, and cost-reduction initiatives.

• Provide operational updates and strategic recommendations to executive leadership

Who You Are

· Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and continuous improvement methodologies.

· Experience managing high-volume production operations and achieving KPI targets.

· Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.

· 8–12+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably within solar, semiconductor, electronics, battery, or high-volume automated manufacturing environments.

· 5+ years of direct people management experience.

The T1 Way

We move fast, expect accountability, and treat people with respect. We also have a no-jerks policy: we don't tolerate big egos, bad behavior or "that's not my job attitude".