Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About the Company

Our client is tackling one of the U.S.’s most urgent national security challenges — and they’re looking for a world-class COO to help scale a solution that’s already proven effective. 

With nearly $30M in seed funding and a motivated team, this is a rare opportunity to lead the charge in scaling both team and manufacturing operations from the ground up, while helping strengthen and amplify a values-driven company culture.

Today, the United States relies on foreign imports for magnesium metal — a critical material used in cars, airplanes, and key defense applications. This company is changing that by producing magnesium domestically from seawater, eliminating the need for environmentally damaging mining practices and reducing geopolitical risk.

This is a direct hire, permanent placement position for a client of AdAstra Talent Advisors.

About the Role

As COO, you’ll take ownership of the company’s operational strategy and execution — from scaling greenfield manufacturing infrastructure to building the systems and support functions needed for sustainable growth.

You’ll collaborate closely with the CEO and CTO and hold a seat on the board of directors, helping shape the strategic direction of the company as it delivers the first new greenfield magnesium metal made in America in over 50 years.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage operations and execute the 5-year plan, identifying critical risks at a whole company level 

• Develop world-class operations infrastructure and team, including scale appropriate process controls, optimized workflow, along with systems for manufacturing, supply-chain, quality and process control

• Achieve manufacturing metrics including product complaint to defined specifications, target yield, target cost (broken out as BOM and transformation cost)

• Foster a cohesive company and safety culture by setting policies, examples and engaging in effective continuous communication

• Maintain key partnerships with suppliers, customers, consultants, landlords, and regulatory bodies

• Ensure all finances, payroll, human resources and other functions operate smoothly

Required Skills

• Leadership with full confidence and autonomy for productive collaboration with the CEO and CTO

• Project management and execution experience with a detailed understanding of what is needed to establish and build a chemical plant (including strategic planning, schedule management, risk management, and project execution)

• Ability to handle and successfully manage external stakeholders including contractors (e.g., construction, EPCs), suppliers and agencies (e.g., DoD, DoE, funding parties)

• Built teams to successfully execute on scale-up of chemical processes to large scale manufacturing plants

• Managing multiple internal stakeholder groups, including navigating the dynamics between teams and people within the company, and fostering a strong culture of excellence

• Experience as a mentor, either in a formal management position or informally with other individuals

• Strong background in industrial safety culture

• Strong understanding of the regulatory landscape and permitting processes associated with large-scale chemical process plants

• Ability to anticipate potential issues and make high-pressure decisions within ambiguity

Experience

• Significant (>15 years ideal) experience in scaling technology from pilot to commercial operation

• Preferred experience with chemical manufacturing, including siting, permitting, and constructing greenfield projects

Logistical Requirements

• Onsite in San Francisco, CA

• Travel flexibility

Benefit Highlights 

• Health & dental insurance with covered premiums (Kaiser / Humana)

• 401(k) plan with employer matching

• 20 days PTO 13 paid holidays sick days

• Parental leave

• Bereavement leave

• Weekly lunch provided

Salary range: $250,000 - $350,000 executive stock options

• Compensation is determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. 

Equal Opportunity

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. They evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

About AdAstra

AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world’s leading Hard Tech startups.

At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it’s all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what’s never been done before. 

We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn’t a perfect fit, it’s likely we’ll have something relevant to share with you in the future. 

Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!

CEO, Seyka Mejeur  |  LinkedIn profile

CTO / COO, Brian Mejeur  |  LinkedIn profile

AdAstra Talent Advisors  |  LinkedIn profile

AdAstra Website