Manufacturing Operations Program Manager

As a Manufacturing Operations Program Manager at Cerebras Systems, you will oversee all aspects of manufacturing processes, ensuring efficiency and quality. Key responsibilities include managing the end-to-end delivery with contract manufacturers, coordinating with internal teams like engineering and supply chain, identifying and resolving technical issues, and monitoring key manufacturing metrics. You will also collaborate with external partners to ensure compliance with quality standards.

The ideal candidate for the Manufacturing Operations Program Manager position at Cerebras Systems should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, with an advanced degree preferred. You need 7-15 years of proven experience in manufacturing program management, ideally within the computer hardware industry, along with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and technologies. Excellent project management, analytical skills, and communication skills are also essential.

The Manufacturing Operations Program Manager role at Cerebras Systems stands out due to its involvement in innovative AI technology development. You will be working on one of the world’s largest AI chips and contributing directly to projects that reshape industries, from healthcare to advanced computing. This position offers a blend of technical challenges and collaborative opportunities across departments and with external partners.

At Cerebras Systems, the work culture is non-corporate and emphasizes respect for individual beliefs and the fostering of an inclusive environment. Employees enjoy a mix of job stability and the vitality of a startup atmosphere, where continuous learning, support, and personal growth are prioritized, making it a great place for the Manufacturing Operations Program Manager to thrive.

As a Manufacturing Operations Program Manager at Cerebras Systems, you will have ample opportunities for professional growth within an innovative and rapidly evolving field. With the company's focus on breakthrough AI technology, you'll gain valuable insights into cutting-edge manufacturing processes, enhance your project management skills, and be part of a team that encourages open-source research and collaboration, encouraging continuous personal and professional development.

In responding to this question, highlight specific experiences and examples where you managed manufacturing processes effectively. Detail how you coordinated with various teams, tackled challenges, and improved efficiency and quality in previous roles.

Explain your proactive approach by mentioning techniques such as root cause analysis, contingency planning, and collaborative problem-solving. Discuss specific scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges in the past.

Focus your answer on key production metrics like yield rates, production volumes, and lead times. Demonstrate your understanding of how these metrics impact overall efficiency and quality, and share experiences of how you've monitored or improved these metrics.

Illustrate your collaborative skills by recalling specific instances where you worked alongside teams from engineering, supply chain, and quality assurance. Highlight communication strategies and methods you used to ensure alignment and smooth operations.

Share your understanding of change management frameworks, particularly in manufacturing contexts. Provide examples where you've successfully implemented changes or managed transitions, emphasizing your experience with processes like ECO and the tools you’ve used.

Discuss particular challenges you've encountered, such as quality control issues, communication barriers, or delivery delays. Explain how you addressed these challenges and fostered better relationships with contract manufacturers for improved outcomes.

Mention specific project management tools like Jira and summarize how you've used them to track progress, communication, and transparency. Share examples of projects where these tools significantly helped manage tasks and project timelines.

Describe a specific situation where you identified and resolved technical issues during manufacturing. Include details on your problem-solving approach, stakeholders involved, and the positive impact it had on operations or product quality.

Outline your methodology for prioritization, perhaps including frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix. Share an example where you effectively prioritized tasks to meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality standards.

Convey your enthusiasm for joining Cerebras Systems by discussing your passion for advancing AI technology, the organization's commitment to innovation, and your alignment with the company culture. Share what you find exciting about the potential impact of your role in the company.