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 results-driven Production Manager to lead and optimize manufacturing operations at our Wilmer, TX facility. This role is responsible for managing production processes, driving efficiency, ensuring safety and quality standards, and meeting production targets within the solar energy manufacturing environment. The Production Manager will report directly to the VP of Manufacturing Operations.
What You'll Do
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee day-to-day production activities to meet production schedules, quality standards, and cost targets.
- Lead, mentor, and develop production staff to maximize efficiency, safety, engagement, and retention.
- Maintain constant collaboration with HR and the recruiting team to ensure talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies support operational needs.
- Implement and sustain 5S standards and promote lean manufacturing thinking across all production areas.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, process optimization, and throughput enhancement.
- Oversee inventory accuracy and conduct regular cycle counts to ensure proper material consumption and minimize discrepancies.
- Manage and optimize MES (Manufacturing Execution System) utilization to ensure accurate production tracking, traceability, and performance analysis.
- Monitor and reduce scrap, rework, and failure rates to improve overall manufacturing efficiency and cost performance.
- Apply strong critical thinking skills to identify root causes, solve operational challenges, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to resolve production issues and implement corrective actions.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular reports to senior leadership on production performance, efficiency, and operational improvements.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
- Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities to support scalable solar manufacturing operations.
- Participate in hiring, training, and performance management of production personnel.
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities.
- Critical thinking mindset with strong root cause analysis capability.
- Ability to implement, monitor, and enforce production policies and procedures.
- Collaborative leadership style focused on operational excellence and talent retention.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong focus on scrap reduction, rework minimization, and overall production efficiency.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in production or operations management, preferably in manufacturing or energy sectors, ideally solar or renewable energy.- Proven track record leading production teams and managing large-scale manufacturing operations.
- Experience with MES systems and production data analysis tools.
- Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, 5S methodology, continuous improvement methodologies, and operational excellence frameworks.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels of the organization.
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". Be sharp, be honest, be human. If you can hold the line and have a sense of humor, you'll fit right in.
T1 Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristics.