Battery Electric Thermal Prototype & Pre-Production Manager

What we do-

Aspen is a technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions. The Company's aerogel technology enables its customers and partners to achieve their own objectives around the global megatrends of resource efficiency, e-mobility, and clean energy. Aspen's PyroThin products enable solutions to thermal runaway challenges within the electric vehicle ("EV") market. Aspen Battery Materials, the Company's carbon aerogel initiative, seeks to increase the performance of lithium-ion battery cells to enable EV manufacturers to extend the driving range and reduce the cost of EVs. The Company's Cryogel and Pyrogel products are valued by the world's largest energy infrastructure companies. Aspen's strategy is to partner with world-class industry leaders to leverage its Aerogel Technology Platform into additional high-value markets. Aspen is headquartered in Northborough, Mass.

What we value-

At Aspen, our values reflect who we are and how we work both with each other and our customers, suppliers, and communities. They shape our interactions, guide our decisions, and inspire us to bring our best. Whether collaborating internally or externally, our values drive us to make a meaningful impact within Aspen and in all our relationships.

Aspen's CORE Values

We Do the Right Thing

We are Problem Solvers

We are Allies

We Drive Forward

What you will do-

The BET Prototype and Pre-Production Manager will lead the rapid and timely fabrication of samples crucial for securing additional thermal barrier business. This role demands a strong technical background combined with excellent influencing, organizational, and program/project management skills to optimize team performance, material usage, capital equipment, and facility utilization. The Manager ensures technical progress, timely sample delivery, and customer satisfaction.

This individual must effectively manage competing priorities, balancing new sample development schedules with long-term prototyping needs to advance thermal barrier business opportunities. Leading the assembly staff, the Manager provides direction and mentorship through planning, goal setting, performance management, training, and clear communication of responsibilities and expectations. Strong organizational and program/project management skills are essential for optimizing team performance, materials, capital equipment, and facilities within Thermal Barrier Assembly.

Finally, the Manager collaborates with Sales and Marketing, Quality, R&D, BET Engineering (Product & Process), EH&S, Supply Chain, EP Production, and EP Finishing to ensure timely and cost-efficient fulfillment of customer requirements.

How will you do it-

• Set up a team and implement processes to enable rapid preparation of thermal barrier samples which meet or exceed customer specifications and lead time.
• Work with the BET Engineering teams to specify and develop fixturing and equipment to enable rapid fabrication of thermal barrier solutions.
• Provide technical input on cross-functional teams throughout the thermal barrier development and design process from prototyping through commercialization.
• Participate in the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process.
• Manage customer sample builds.
• Review drawings, work orders and other information to ensure the samples are made to drawings.
• Lead prototype scale assembly trials, analyze performance versus customer and economic targets, clearly communicate trial results to cross functional team.
• Personally adhere to and monitor compliance with all safety procedures, policies, and maintain good housekeeping standards of team members.
• Rely on data collection and analysis, experience, and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Ensure that delivery of thermal barrier parts meets safety, quality, cost and on-time delivery goals in support of business objectives.
• Optimize end to end costs by partnering with BET Engineering, EP Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality to collaboratively measure and analyze yield and operational costs to continuously improve quality and economics.
• Engage and collaborate with engineering and maintenance resources to ensure that equipment is fit for use, configured for maximum efficiency, and well maintained.
• Strive for flawless execution through adherence to control plans, SOPs, and best practices.
• Engage all levels of the thermal barrier team to remove waste from operations processes employing Lean/Six Sigma practices.
• Effectively manage departmental budget by tracking and adhering to materials spend and optimizing labor utilization.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
• Adopt and follow Aspen's core values in all facets of responsibility.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manages a team comprised of engineers and operators.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, and developing employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Why you are right for the job-

• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in manufacturing (process engineering, product line engineering, technology evaluation and deployment, unit operation) and business leadership positions with at least five (5) years in a leadership position.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering is required.
• Track record of success leading manufacturing or engineering teams.
• History of working in a discrete manufacturing operations environment and driving measured, tangible improvements over time.
• Ability and willingness to lead, manage and do work.
• Innate intellectual curiosity.
• Predisposed to leverage analytic reason, creativity, and judgment.
• Inspired and energized by being part of a highly functioning team that works on complex, high-value opportunities.
• Well-developed influencing skills - ability to inspire confidence and drive consensus.
• Ability to handle complex matters across multiple initiatives.
• Intellectual agility to deal effectively with strategic issues and operational details.
• Emotional Intelligence and ability to remain calm under stressful situations
• Clear and concise communication skills, including verbal, written, presentation and negotiation.
• Experience of working directly with sales teams.
• Willingness to travel.
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office Suite; Aspen ERP System

What to expect-

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Frequently required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Occasionally required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts
• Occasionally works near fumes or airborne particles
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25lbs pounds.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PERKS OF JOINING OUR TEAM!

Aspen is committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package, a positive and productive work environment, encouraged work/life and family balance, and opportunities for growth and development, in a culture that is focused on inclusion, sustainability, and working together to solve the world's toughest challenges.

Aspen is proud to offer a competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays, Sick Time, and PTO. In addition, we also offer 401k Employer Match, Life and Disability Insurance, and other benefits.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to abuttitta@aerogel.com or call and leave a voice message at (508) 466-3111 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information and we will return your message.