Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Long Beach, CA

Why Join Giga

The Pace: We're building at a speed most companies talk about but never actually operate at. If you've been bored somewhere else, you won't be here.

The Impact: Every person at Giga touches the work that matters. No layers, no waiting for approval chains. You'll see your fingerprints on what we ship.

The Team: A team of operators defining the future of AI infrastructure. We recruit A-players from the most innovative companies in the world, and they choose Giga because the work here means more.

The Moment: AI doesn't run without power, and that's us. Giga is the picks and shovels behind the AI revolution. This industry is about to explode, and you'll be in the room where it's already happening.

What You'll Do

We're looking for a hands-on, strategic Director of Operations to lead and scale our U.S. manufacturing operations across multiple sites. This role will oversee all aspects of operations — including P&L ownership, site management, production, logistics, and engineering support — ensuring performance, efficiency, and profitability across locations.

In this position, you'll be responsible for standing up a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility, building the team, processes, and systems that will drive operational excellence. You'll lead and develop Site Managers, Engineers, and Support Teams while ensuring consistency and alignment across all sites.

This role also requires close collaboration with our global teams, including production teams in China and engineering teams in India, to ensure seamless product quality, supply chain synchronization, and world-class operational execution.

The ideal candidate brings a strong track record of scaling multi-site operations, driving cross-functional collaboration, and delivering measurable impact through disciplined execution and continuous improvement.

Where You'll Work

This role will be based in our Houston office. You must be willing to work in the office full-time, outside of our bi-weekly WFH Fridays.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Own overall performance and profitability of U.S. manufacturing operations (Houston + Long Beach).
• Develop and execute operational and engineering strategies to deliver on cost, quality, delivery, and growth targets.
• Build and lead a high-performing leadership team at both sites, including shop managers, engineers, and support staff.

Long Beach Switchboard Facility

• Oversee manufacturing and engineering operations for switchboard production.
• Ensure delivery, quality, and engineering improvements are executed efficiently.
• Coordinate with corporate and international teams to align production with global best practices.

Cross-Functional & International Collaboration

• Partner closely with production teams in China and engineering teams in India to ensure alignment on product design, quality, and supply chain execution.
• Standardize operational and engineering practices across sites to drive consistency and scalability.
• Implement performance metrics and reporting frameworks to track productivity, quality, and profitability.

Travel & Communication

• Travel frequently between Houston and Long Beach to effectively manage and support both sites.
• Serve as the primary U.S. manufacturing liaison with international operations and engineering teams.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to engineering standards, testing protocols, and all relevant industry certifications.
• Build and maintain a robust quality management system, including incoming parts inspection, in-process checks, and final product testing.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable regulatory standards.

Financial Responsibility

• Develop and manage site operating budgets.
• Own cost, yield, and productivity metrics across both facilities.
• Deliver on all P&L commitments and continuously identify opportunities for margin improvement.

Requirements

• 8 - 12+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in electrical equipment (transformers, switchgear, switchboards) or related industrial products.
• Proven experience managing multiple sites with full P&L ownership.
• Demonstrated success commissioning or scaling production facilities.
• Strong leadership skills and a track record of building and developing high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Experience collaborating with international teams across multiple time zones.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently between facilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.

Benefits

• Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
• Equity (options) in a rapidly growing startup
• 401(k) with 4% employer match
• Unlimited PTO
• Parental leave
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Commuter benefits
• Monthly team onsites where all offices come in–person to collaborate

Who We Hire

We hire people who thrive in chaos and get sharper under pressure. You don't wait to be told what to do, you spot the gap and fill it. When there's work to be done, you do it. You make decisions with the information you have, move fast, and adjust along the way. We're not looking for perfect; we're looking for people who get things done.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Giga Energy is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Giga Energy complies with all applicable labor laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and other relevant state and federal regulations. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applicants who require accommodations during the hiring process to contact us.