Director of Manufacturing & Industrialization (Houston, TX - Hybrid)

Director of Manufacturing & IndustrializationLocation: Houston, TX (Hybrid)Type of Contract: Full Time / PermanentTravel Requirements: 10%About SubmerSubmer designs and delivers end-to-end AI datacenter infrastructure built around industry-leading liquid cooling. We help organizations scale AI beyond the limits of traditional datacenters by enabling higher density, greater efficiency and lower environmental impact – accelerating time-to-AI from first deployment to full production.What Impact You Will HaveWe are seeking a highly strategic and hands-on Director of Manufacturing & Industrialization to lead the scaling and optimization of our modular data center production operations. This role will be responsible for transforming design concepts into efficient, repeatable, and high-quality manufacturing processes while supporting rapid growth and innovation in a fast-paced, mission-critical industry.The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in industrialization, manufacturing systems, and operational leadership—preferably within modular construction, data centers, advanced manufacturing, or a related field.What You Will DoManufacturing Strategy & LeadershipDefine and execute the manufacturing and industrialization strategy to support business growth and scalability Lead the transition from prototype to full-scale production, ensuring manufacturability, cost efficiency, and quality Build and develop high-performing manufacturing and industrial engineering teams Industrialization & Process DevelopmentStandardize and industrialize modular data center designs for efficient mass production Drive Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles across engineering and operations Develop production workflows, assembly processes, and factory layouts to optimize throughput Operational ExcellenceImplement lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives Establish KPIs and performance metrics (yield, cycle time, cost, quality) and drive accountability Identify and eliminate bottlenecks in production processes Supply Chain & Vendor IntegrationCollaborate closely with supply chain to ensure material availability and supplier readiness Support vendor qualification and integration into the production ecosystem Drive cost-reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing and process optimization Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Engineering, Product, Quality, and Field Operations teams to ensure seamless product lifecycle execution Align manufacturing capabilities with evolving product roadmaps and customer requirements Support new product introduction (NPI) and ramp-up activities Quality & ComplianceEnsure adherence to industry standards, safety regulations, and quality systems Establish robust quality assurance processes and drive root cause analysis for defects RequiredWhat you will bringBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (Master’s preferred) 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrialization, or operations leadership Proven experience scaling manufacturing operations from concept to high-volume production Strong understanding of modular systems, prefabrication, or similar industrial environments Expertise in lean manufacturing, DFMA, and continuous improvement methodologies Experience leading cross-functional teams in fast-paced, growth-oriented environments PreferredExperience in data center infrastructure, critical systems, HVAC/cooling, or electrical systems Familiarity with modular construction, skid-based systems, or prefabricated solutions PMP, Six Sigma (Black Belt), or similar certifications What You Will HaveStrategic thinker with strong execution capabilities Hands-on leadership and problem-solving mindset Strong stakeholder management and communication skills Data-driven decision-maker with operational rigor Ability to thrive in a scaling, high-growth environment What We OfferAttractive compensation package reflecting your expertise and experience. Medical Insurance Plan. 401k Employee volunteer contribution Plan. A great work environment characterized by friendliness, international diversity, flexibility, and a hybrid-friendly approach. You´ll be part of a fast-growing scale-up with a mission to make a positive impact, offering an exciting career evolution. Our job titles may span more than one job level. The actual base pay is dependent on a number of factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands.Our inclusive responsibilitySubmer is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.