Production Manager

About fab2

The fab2 team can build anything. We design all the hardware and software needed to make chips and we make the fabs, tools, and components ourselves.

We're looking for exceptional, hands-on people who can iterate to the limits of what's possible.

fab2 was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.

About the team

The fab2 production team manufactures chip fabs. From deposition and etching tools to lithography and metrology, we are building every tool ourselves. We fabricate the metal parts and assemble the tools in-house. Then we integrate those tools into small, fast, modular fabs and deploy them.

About the role

The Production Manager will lead and scale the team that builds fab2's fabs. Today we build tools in small numbers, close to engineering. Your job is to turn that into a repeatable production system that can ramp output, shorten build times, and deploy complete fabs. This role will be expected to work ~50 hours a week alongside first shift technicians.

Responsibilities

• Own production output including build schedules, capacity planning, lead time, cost, and quality for tools and complete fabs.

• Turn engineering-led, low-volume builds into documented, repeatable processes, including work instructions, travelers, test procedures, and build records.

• Plan and run the ramp: identify bottlenecks, add capacity, bring up new equipment and lines, and drive continuous improvement in rate, yield, and cost.

• Lead the transition of new tool designs from prototype to production. Give engineers feedback on manufacturability, testability, and serviceability.

• Define training and career development paths so technicians can grow into senior, lead, and supervisor roles.

• Set clear operating standards and metrics and hold the team accountable to them.

• Hire, lead, and mentor supervisors, technicians, and associates, and grow the team as production scales.

Required Experience

• 5+ years in production operations, manufacturing engineering, or process development for complex hardware.

• 2+ years leading production teams, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.

• Hands-on comfort with electro-mechanical systems. You can walk the floor, read drawings and BOMs, and dig into technical problems with engineers.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a STEM field, or equivalent leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.

Nice-to-have

• Experience in semiconductor capital equipment, front-end fab operations, or comparable high-complexity equipment (vacuum, robotics, scientific instruments, aerospace).

• A track record of taking a product from prototype or low-rate builds to scaled production.

• Experience building out a production organization from scratch at an early-stage company.

• Familiarity with cleanroom environments, vacuum systems, and process chemicals.

• Experience building and implementing ERP/MRP systems and lightweight quality management systems

Working at fab2

We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and labs/offices in Austin, TX, Lockhart, TX, and San Francisco, CA.

Benefits: fab2 offers the following benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time

• Visa Sponsorship

• Life and Disability Insurance

• Paid Parental Leave

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Weekly Learning & Development opportunities

• Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office

• Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.

Export Control Analysis: This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

fab2, formerly known as Atomic Semi