Pilot Operations Manager

Insight Global • Durham, NC • 3h ago

Job Description

The Pilot Operations Manager is responsible for end-to-end execution of pilot-scale manufacturing for advanced rare earth materials, serving as the critical link between development and full-scale production. This role combines production leadership, process engineering, and material coordination to deliver qualified materials safely, on specification, and on schedule.

The leader will establish disciplined, scalable operations while partnering closely with development, commercial, quality, and EHS teams to enable rapid iteration, material qualification, and successful transition to production.

Responsibilities

Own daily pilot manufacturing operations from planning through delivery, ensuring reliable, safe, and on-time execution of material and testing plans aligned with program and commercial priorities.

Translate R&D processes into robust, repeatable pilot workflows; lead process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement to improve yield, stability, and scalability.

Oversee end-to-end material flow including raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods; coordinate staging, inventory, and movement of sensitive materials to align production output with testing and delivery requirements.

Establish and enforce SOPs, work instructions, and standardized workflows; coordinate production schedules, resource allocation, and equipment readiness; implement and manage KPIs (yield, throughput, quality, schedule adherence) to drive performance and accountability.

Ensure complete and accurate batch records, material qualification traveler sheets, and process documentation; synthesize and communicate clear material testing summaries to support data-driven decisions and stakeholder alignment.

Maintain high-precision specifications through rigorous process control, in-process verification, and structured root cause and corrective action for deviations.

Lead, coach, and develop a team of technicians; establish clear expectations for execution, safety, and documentation; build a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement.

Partner closely with development, commercial, quality, and EHS teams to align on priorities, communicate progress and risks, and ensure readiness for customer requirements and scale-up milestones.

Integrate EHS requirements into all aspects of operations, including SOPs, training, material handling, and facility practices, ensuring safe and compliant execution at all times.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

Skills and Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

5+ years of experience in advanced materials (nanomaterials, composites, advanced polymers, or advanced alloy's), pilot production, or manufacturing environments

Proven experience leading pilot or production teams

Direct experience overseeing execution, safety, and performance

Experience supporting process iteration, scale-up, and material qualification in a pilot environment

Experience in process engineering, pilot line operations, or scaling technologies from R&D

Strong track record of implementing SOP- Driven operations, KPI management, and production documentation systems - Experience working in a metallurgical environment: Primary metals production, metal processing and manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, aerospace component manufacturing, advanced materials composite

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