Production Manager

Production Manager – Engine Manufacturing

Location: Dixon, California, United States

Workplace Type: On-site

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Production Manager to establish and develop a rotary engine manufacturing operation. This role will focus on setting up machining processes, introducing production equipment, developing tooling, and building a small manufacturing team to support consistent and repeatable engine production.

This is an opportunity for a manufacturing leader who enjoys building operations, solving technical challenges, and working closely with engineering to transition from limited production builds toward commercial manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish machining processes and tooling to manufacture reliable engine components from castings.
• Support the installation, commissioning, and startup of new production equipment.
• Develop and improve manufacturing workflows to ensure consistent quality and repeatability.
• Lead and coordinate an initial manufacturing team of approximately six employees.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, equipment, and production process issues.
• Coordinate outsourced specialty manufacturing processes, including plasma coating.
• Collaborate with engineering to translate validated designs into reliable manufacturing processes.
• Establish the production capabilities and operational processes needed to support future manufacturing growth.

Required Qualifications

• Strong experience in machining, machine-shop operations, and tooling.
• Demonstrated experience setting up manufacturing processes, launching production operations, or introducing new equipment.
• Previous experience leading a small manufacturing or production team.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills related to machining, tooling, and process improvement.
• Ability to work hands-on in a developing manufacturing environment.
• Effective collaboration skills across engineering, production, and external suppliers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in engine, powertrain, automotive, marine, or precision mechanical manufacturing.
• Experience transitioning prototype or limited production builds into repeatable manufacturing.
• Experience coordinating outsourced manufacturing processes or specialized surface treatments.
• Experience establishing production operations in a startup or growth-stage manufacturing environment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a practical manufacturing leader with a strong machine-shop background who can combine technical machining knowledge with equipment startup, process development, and team leadership. Experience with rotary engines is beneficial but not essential.