Director, Global Operations Engineering

About the role:

Samsara is seeking a dynamic leader and technology manufacturing expert to spearhead our IoT products manufacturing. This individual will be accountable for leveraging technology and operational excellence to ensure the production of high-quality products. The role involves close collaboration with a cross-functional team of engineers, program managers, supply chain managers, and joint design manufacturers to launch new products from prototypes to mass production. The successful candidate will lead a team of manufacturing and quality engineers, monitor yield metrics, manage line capacity, and design processes to meet operational requirements.

This is a remote position based in the United States.

In this role, you will: 

• Develop Vision and Strategy: Build the global operations engineering organization by setting a clear vision and operational execution plan, aligning with Samsara’s commitment to long-term building.
• New Product Development: Enhance capabilities to develop and launch new products while maintaining high manufacturing quality standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with engineering and supply chain management teams to identify manufacturing requirements, qualify production lines, and deploy solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with broader operations teams to identify problems, conduct Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) processes, and resolve line issues.
• Technology Implementation: Deploy analytical and efficiency tools such as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to monitor factory quality and enable continuous improvements.
• People Strategy Execution: Drive a talent strategy through hiring external candidates and developing internal talent, ensuring team members receive development opportunities and coaching to realize their full potential.
• Champion, role model, and embed Samsara’s cultural principles (Focus on Customer Success, Build for the Long Term, Adopt a Growth Mindset, Be Inclusive, Win as a Team) as we scale globally and across new offices
• Hire, develop and lead an inclusive, engaged, and high performing team

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering fields; a Master’s degree is highly preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment with expertise in high-volume production in a contract manufacturing setting, including 4+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience working with joint design and contract manufacturers to develop and qualify production lines.

An ideal candidate also has:

• Ability to manage multiple initiatives and priorities under tight deadlines.
• A creative approach to problem-solving with hands-on experience on the factory floor.
• Flexibility to quickly adapt to changing directions or new priorities.
• Capability to write standard operating procedures for test and assembly manufacturing processes.
• Detail-oriented with strong communication skills to interact with cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
• Ability to influence others and work within cross-functional teams to make critical decisions.