Manager, Production (Lean/Automation)

Supermicro • San Jose, CA

11d

About The Position

Supermicro® is seeking a Manager, Production (Lean/Automation) to lead lean manufacturing initiatives, with a strong emphasis on production automation enhancement and process optimization to support our efforts in developing an AI factory. The candidate will drive strategic lean transformations, mentor teams, and contribute to building quality improvements for high-volume server and AI infrastructure manufacturing, ensuring alignment with business goals to support dynamic production demands.

Requirements

• BS/MS in Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred; 8+ years of relevant experience in electronics manufacturing, with strong focus on servers, storage systems, hard drives, and ideally AI infrastructure industry.
• Proven leadership in lean manufacturing, including hands-on experience with production automation enhancement, AOI, and inspection/test coverage for high-density server assemblies.
• Expertise in PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text; e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens), SCADA/HMI platforms (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition), and LabVIEW/Python for process scripting, with knowledge of AI tools for factory optimization.
• Strong understanding of electrical controls, instrumentation, pneumatics, robotics integration, and AI infrastructures (e.g., data center racks, liquid cooling systems for AI servers) as a major plus to help build our capabilities.
• Familiarity with IPC standards and tools like oscilloscopes, multimeters for troubleshooting in automated environments.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving abilities; experience in root cause analysis (8D/SCAR) and MRB workflows.
• Good communication skills in English, including both written and verbal; ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred) and experience or knowledge in AI infrastructures for AI factory operations as a major plus; willingness to lead cultural change initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term lean manufacturing strategies, including production automation enhancements using PLCs, robotics, sensors, VFDs, servo systems, and AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and support AI infrastructure scalability.
• Lead Kaizen events, value stream mapping (VSM), and continuous improvement workshops to optimize server assembly processes, integrating SCADA/HMI solutions for real-time monitoring and AI-driven predictive maintenance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, QA, and production) to conduct root cause analysis (RCA) on defects, implement Engineering Change Orders (ECO), and enhance automation for failure prevention and quality control to help build AI factory capabilities.
• Coach and train staff on lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and tools like 5S, Kanban, SMED, and PID control to foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence, with an eye toward integrating AI infrastructure.
• Oversee process optimization projects, including scripting or batch file development for automation, and ensure compliance with ISO guidelines for safety, quality, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability in our AI-driven manufacturing environment.
• Provide reports and analytics for management reviews on production metrics, defect rates, and lean initiative impacts, focusing on building toward AI infrastructure performance to support business targets in a fast-paced environment.
• Manage supplier and sub-tier audits, integrate network protocols (Modbus, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP) for automated systems, and drive cost reductions through waste elimination and flow improvements in server and AI factory production.
• Willing to handle assigned tasks requested by the company and provide occasional support beyond regular hours for business needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees