VP, Operations & Plant Manager

About Us Founded in 2015 to develop the world’s first industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing solution, VulcanForms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products. We build and operate advanced digital infrastructure that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and supports sustainability across aerospace, defense, medical, and other essential industries. Through our vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining, we deliver true end-to-end production at scale by combining cutting-edge technology with a foundation of proven industrial craftsmanship. Our team brings deep expertise in manufacturing, materials science, software, automation, and operations, united by a shared commitment to quality, curiosity, and accountability. We foster an inclusive culture where people take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and continuously learn, because we believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes. Job Purpose The VP, Operations - Plant Manager is the executive leader of a VulcanForms digital production facility. You are responsible for the strategic evolution and daily operational excellence of a high-output ecosystem, directly owning Manufacturing, Engineering, Planning, Logistics and Maintenance. As VulcanForms enters a phase of aggressive scaling, you will lead the site through the expansion of the world’s most advanced digital manufacturing technologies, embodying an uncompromising safety culture and converting world‑class additive and subtractive capability into a high‑volume, repeatable manufacturing engine. Your success is measured by your ability to drive maximum equipment efficiency and ensure world‑class on‑time delivery to our customers in the Medical Device, Aerospace, Defense and Consumer Device industries. Key Responsibilities Operational Execution & Customer Satisfaction • Own the end‑to‑end production schedule to ensure 100% on‑time delivery (OTD), serving as the site’s primary champion for customer satisfaction across high‑compliance (Medical/Defense) and high‑velocity (Consumer Device) sectors. • Drive a relentless focus on Overall Equipment Effectiveness. Optimize machine uptime, cycle times and yield across a fleet of proprietary systems to maximize facility throughput. • Partner with Digital Engineering to leverage real‑time data and MES, using digital insights to eliminate bottlenecks and provide customers with transparent, data‑backed production status. Scaling Advanced Manufacturing • Lead the transition of cutting‑edge manufacturing technologies from established processes to full‑scale, high‑volume industrial production. • Master the synchronization of additive and subtractive workflows to deliver finished, flight‑critical components and premium consumer hardware with unprecedented speed. • Oversee the installation, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and rapid ramp‑up of new assets, ensuring that increasing machine capacity translates immediately into realized output. People Leadership & Organizational Development • Build, mentor and coach a high‑performing site leadership team. You are responsible for developing the next generation of senior leaders across all owned functions. • Drive a culture of leadership excellence by providing coaching for mid‑level managers and front‑line supervisors, ensuring they can lead effectively in a high‑tech, high‑growth environment. • Lead aggressive organizational building efforts, integrating a rapidly growing technical workforce into a high‑performance, mission‑driven culture. HSSE Leadership & Stewardship • Serve as the site’s primary advocate for HSSE, embodying a “Safety First” mindset that addresses the specific risks of advanced environments (e.g., powder handling, high‑power laser safety and facility security). • Ensure that rapid scaling and high‑volume hiring never compromise the integrity of site safety standards or environmental stewardship. Functional Ownership & Site Integration • Synchronize Manufacturing, Engineering, Planning, Logistics and Maintenance (Uptime) to function as a singular, cohesive unit. • Collaborate daily with the Quality organization to ensure all production meets AS9100 and ISO 13485 standards through shared accountability and rigorous process control. Qualifications • 15+ years of progressive leadership in high‑volume, high‑precision manufacturing environments. • Minimum 7+ years in a senior leadership role (VP or Plant GM) with a proven history of managing “leaders of leaders” and delivering on complex customer requirements. • Deep experience leading and scaling industrial manufacturing operations. Experience managing integrated Metal Additive and CNC/Subtractive environments is highly preferred. • Direct operational experience in Aerospace/Defense, Medical Devices or Consumer Devices is required. • Proven track record of successfully scaling a manufacturing organization—both in headcount and advanced machine footprint—within a high‑growth environment. • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Materials Science, or similar) or Operations Management. MBA or MS preferred. VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate’s skills, qualifications and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match. The annual base salary range for this position is $228,000 – $313,000.