Director of Production

Overview

This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a company that has been at the forefront of AI and high-performance data storage innovation for over two decades. DataDirect Networks (DDN) is a global market leader renowned for powering many of the world's most demanding AI data centers, in industries ranging from life sciences and healthcare to financial services, autonomous cars, Government, academia, research and manufacturing.

"DDN's A3I solutions are transforming the landscape of AI infrastructure." – IDC 

“The real differentiator is DDN. I never hesitate to recommend DDN. DDN is the de facto name for AI Storage in high performance environments” - Marc Hamilton, VP, Solutions Architecture & Engineering | NVIDIA 

DDN is the global leader in AI and multi-cloud data management at scale. Our cutting-edge data intelligence platform is designed to accelerate AI workloads, enabling organizations to extract maximum value from their data. With a proven track record of performance, reliability, and scalability, DDN empowers businesses to tackle the most challenging AI and data-intensive workloads with confidence. 

Our success is driven by our unwavering commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and a team of passionate professionals who bring their expertise and dedication to every project. This is a chance to make a significant impact at a company that is shaping the future of AI and data management. 

Our commitment to innovation, customer success, and market leadership makes this an exciting and rewarding role for a driven professional looking to make a lasting impact in the world of AI and data storage. 

Job Description

The Director of Production is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of data storage equipment to ensure efficiency, quality, and timely delivery of order fulfilment. This role involves leading production teams, optimizing processes, and collaborating with supply chain and quality teams to meet delivery deadlines and quality expectations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing operations, test oversight, and leadership within a technology-driven environment. This is a hybrid role, but the candidate must be able to primarily work from the Chatsworth, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management:

• Lead and oversee all manufacturing production, ensuring schedules meet demand and delivery objectives.
• Manage comprehensive manufacturing production plans to facilitate order management and material flow though the manufacturing process.
• Schedule orders to be built, manage manufacturing timelines for shipments and advise of delivery schedules for orders.
• Manage manufacturing resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to maximize output and minimize downtime.
• Communicate production and test insights to senior leadership, providing data-driven recommendations for strategic decisions.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation within the production and test teams.
• Develop and/or ensure training programs are in place to enhance workforce skills and knowledge.

Process Optimization & Innovation:

• Identify and implement new manufacturing and test technologies to enhance efficiency and product quality.
• Collaborate with supply chain and warehouse teams to optimize material flow and inventory management.
• Drive initiatives for cost reduction while maintaining product integrity and performance.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Manufacturing, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience in manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in the data storage, electronics, or high-tech manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of production methodologies, test automation, and quality management systems.
• Expertise in manufacturing process improvement, root cause analysis, and failure mode analysis.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with ERP/MES systems and data-driven decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with storage technologies such as HDDs, SSDs, RAID systems, or enterprise storage solutions.
• Knowledge of industry compliance standards such as CE, UL, and FCC.
• Experience with automation or AI-driven manufacturing/testing systems.

When it's time to unwind and recharge, check out our game room. Whether you're in the mood for a friendly match of ping pong or pool, or prefer to break a sweat on the treadmill, our space offer the perfect balance of relaxation and a recharge. As part of our commitment to employee well-being, we also host bi-weekly payday lunches. And let's not forget, our manufacturing floor is fully air-conditioned, ensuring comfort and productivity even during the busiest of days. At DDN, we believe that a supportive and engaging work environment is the cornerstone of success. Join us and experience the difference firsthand.

Pay Range: $200,000.00 - $225,000.00 

DDN

DDN has a very strong orientation towards these 4 characteristics and any successful employee will demonstrate these capabilities: 

Self-Starter - Takes independent action to identify and solve problems. Seeks out relevant information needed to make decisions. Gets involved with new initiatives. 

Success/Achievement Orientation - Delivers quality results consistently. Targets, achieves (or exceeds) measurable results. Sets challenging goals, focuses on critical priorities, and is accountable. 

Problem Solving - Recognizes problems and responds with a systematic assessment that identifies and addresses cause of issue. Practical, realistic, and resourceful. 

Innovative - Builds and improves key business processes that enhance the effectiveness of DDN. Generates new ideas, challenges the status quo, and solves problems creatively.

DataDirect Networks, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, sex stereotyping, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

#LI-Remote

Salary : $200,000 - $225,000