Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Colorado
Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs in Colorado concentrate in aerospace and defense, medical device manufacturing, and industrial equipment production, with the state ranking among the most active markets in the Mountain West for senior operations talent. Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo anchor the bulk of hiring, where established employers like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Envision Solar maintain large facilities requiring experienced operations leadership. The most in-demand specialties are lean manufacturing, supply chain integration, and quality management systems. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs
About the Opportunity
As the Director of Manufacturing Operations, you will lead Ascent Solar's manufacturing organization, overseeing a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and manufacturing professionals responsible for producing our innovative thin-film photovoltaic technology. This role combines strategic leadership with operational execution, driving team performance, maximizing manufacturing capacity, optimizing processes, and ensuring manufacturing readiness for new products and customer programs. Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership, you will champion continuous improvement, develop high-performing teams, and lead the operational initiatives that enable Ascent Solar's growth, innovation, and long-term success.
What You’ll Do
Team Leadership & Development
Provide strategic leadership to Manufacturing Engineers, Process Engineers, Manufacturing Technicians and Shift Leads.
Build a culture centered on accountability, engagement, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Establish clear goals and performance expectations aligned with company objectives.
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, coaching sessions and formal performance reviews.
Develop succession plans and career development opportunities.
Onboard, train and retain top engineering and manufacturing talent, maximizing performance, production capacity and business continuity capacity.
Foster cross-training and workforce flexibility across manufacturing operations.
Partner closely with People & Culture on workforce planning and organizational development.
Manufacturing Capacity & Operational Excellence
Establish the facility's true production capacity through analysis of equipment, staffing, scheduling and process constraints.
Develop staffing models that align labor resources with forecasted production demand.
Optimize manufacturing throughput while maintaining quality, safety and cost objective
Identify manufacturing bottlenecks and implement scalable solutions.
Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement programs.
Develop production KPIs including:
Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
Yield
Cycle Time
First Pass Yield
Downtime
Scrap
Capacity Utilization
Support supplier diversification strategies to reduce operational risk.
Optimize inventory management to balance production continuity with working capital.
Drive preventative maintenance strategies.
Improve manufacturing workflows and MES utilization.
Ensure EH&S compliance.
Strategic Project & Program Management
Partner with Sales to ensure manufacturing readiness for new commercial opportunities.
Lead manufacturing planning for customer programs from prototype through production.
Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain activities to support customer delivery commitments.
Develop and manage production timelines and resource plans supporting customer milestones.
Lead capital equipment acquisition projects and oversee factory expansion initiatives.
Lead process improvement projects that increase throughput, yield and manufacturing efficiency.
Evaluate emerging technologies and automation opportunities.
Support commercialization of next-generation photovoltaic products.
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
- US Citizenship, No Sponsorship Available
- 13+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including leadership of engineers and technicians within a high-technology manufacturing environment.
- Experience with budgeting, capital expenditures, labor planning, cost reduction, ROI analysis and vendor negotiations.
- Experience supporting C-level leaders and the Board of Directors as the “voice” of manufacturing & engineering.
- Develops annual manufacturing roadmaps and supports board presentations thereof.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot issues with equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to measure and improve manufacturing processes to meet company objectives.
- Demonstrated success in applying Lean principles for process improvements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
- Willingness to work up to 12-hours at a time, on any shift across our 24/7 operation.
- Exceptional Team Leadership Skills, with experience leading both technicians and engineers.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Competitive Pay: $110,000 - $150,000 per year base with potential bonus and equity
Benefits and Work/Life Balance:
Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with significant employer contribution
Company paid Short/Long Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
401k with up to 4% employer match
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) Program
11 paid holidays per year
The opportunity to work with innovative thin-film photovoltaic technology
The opportunity to be innovative every day, and grow with an emerging tech company
A collaborative, low-ego work environment where technical expertise and problem-solving are valued
A fun work environment with regular events and wellness opportunities
Who We Are
Our mission is to pioneer the development of lightweight, durable, and flexible thin-film photovoltaic cells that seamlessly integrate into our customers' designs, from satellites to aquatic and terrestrial systems and beyond. As a team of world-class engineers, thought leaders, and innovators, we are dedicated to expanding the use case for solar technologies, and reducing reliance on conventional power sources. Through our cutting-edge solutions, we strive to power technology across land, sea and space.
Our vision at Ascent Solar is to lead the transformation of the global energy landscape by making solar power accessible and integral to all facets of modern life. We envision a world where our innovative thin-film photovoltaic technology powers everything from space exploration to sustainable agriculture, driving a universal shift towards renewable energy. Through relentless innovation and collaboration, we aim to inspire a future where clean, reliable solar energy is the cornerstone of a sustainable planet.
Ascent Solar is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer committed to finding the best people from all walks of life and creating a diverse and inclusive workspace, where everyone is welcomed and valued for their unique contribution to our team!
About the Opportunity
As the Director of Manufacturing Operations, you will lead Ascent Solar's manufacturing organization, overseeing a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and manufacturing professionals responsible for producing our innovative thin-film photovoltaic technology. This role combines strategic leadership with operational execution, driving team performance, maximizing manufacturing capacity, optimizing processes, and ensuring manufacturing readiness for new products and customer programs. Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership, you will champion continuous improvement, develop high-performing teams, and lead the operational initiatives that enable Ascent Solar's growth, innovation, and long-term success.
What You’ll Do
Team Leadership & Development
Provide strategic leadership to Manufacturing Engineers, Process Engineers, Manufacturing Technicians and Shift Leads.
Build a culture centered on accountability, engagement, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Establish clear goals and performance expectations aligned with company objectives.
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, coaching sessions and formal performance reviews.
Develop succession plans and career development opportunities.
Onboard, train and retain top engineering and manufacturing talent, maximizing performance, production capacity and business continuity capacity.
Foster cross-training and workforce flexibility across manufacturing operations.
Partner closely with People & Culture on workforce planning and organizational development.
Manufacturing Capacity & Operational Excellence
Establish the facility's true production capacity through analysis of equipment, staffing, scheduling and process constraints.
Develop staffing models that align labor resources with forecasted production demand.
Optimize manufacturing throughput while maintaining quality, safety and cost objective
Identify manufacturing bottlenecks and implement scalable solutions.
Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement programs.
Develop production KPIs including:
Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
Yield
Cycle Time
First Pass Yield
Downtime
Scrap
Capacity Utilization
Support supplier diversification strategies to reduce operational risk.
Optimize inventory management to balance production continuity with working capital.
Drive preventative maintenance strategies.
Improve manufacturing workflows and MES utilization.
Ensure EH&S compliance.
Strategic Project & Program Management
Partner with Sales to ensure manufacturing readiness for new commercial opportunities.
Lead manufacturing planning for customer programs from prototype through production.
Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain activities to support customer delivery commitments.
Develop and manage production timelines and resource plans supporting customer milestones.
Lead capital equipment acquisition projects and oversee factory expansion initiatives.
Lead process improvement projects that increase throughput, yield and manufacturing efficiency.
Evaluate emerging technologies and automation opportunities.
Support commercialization of next-generation photovoltaic products.
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
- US Citizenship, No Sponsorship Available
- 13+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including leadership of engineers and technicians within a high-technology manufacturing environment.
- Experience with budgeting, capital expenditures, labor planning, cost reduction, ROI analysis and vendor negotiations.
- Experience supporting C-level leaders and the Board of Directors as the “voice” of manufacturing & engineering.
- Develops annual manufacturing roadmaps and supports board presentations thereof.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot issues with equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to measure and improve manufacturing processes to meet company objectives.
- Demonstrated success in applying Lean principles for process improvements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
- Willingness to work up to 12-hours at a time, on any shift across our 24/7 operation.
- Exceptional Team Leadership Skills, with experience leading both technicians and engineers.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Competitive Pay: $110,000 - $150,000 per year base with potential bonus and equity
Benefits and Work/Life Balance:
Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with significant employer contribution
Company paid Short/Long Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
401k with up to 4% employer match
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) Program
11 paid holidays per year
The opportunity to work with innovative thin-film photovoltaic technology
The opportunity to be innovative every day, and grow with an emerging tech company
A collaborative, low-ego work environment where technical expertise and problem-solving are valued
A fun work environment with regular events and wellness opportunities
Who We Are
Our mission is to pioneer the development of lightweight, durable, and flexible thin-film photovoltaic cells that seamlessly integrate into our customers' designs, from satellites to aquatic and terrestrial systems and beyond. As a team of world-class engineers, thought leaders, and innovators, we are dedicated to expanding the use case for solar technologies, and reducing reliance on conventional power sources. Through our cutting-edge solutions, we strive to power technology across land, sea and space.
Our vision at Ascent Solar is to lead the transformation of the global energy landscape by making solar power accessible and integral to all facets of modern life. We envision a world where our innovative thin-film photovoltaic technology powers everything from space exploration to sustainable agriculture, driving a universal shift towards renewable energy. Through relentless innovation and collaboration, we aim to inspire a future where clean, reliable solar energy is the cornerstone of a sustainable planet.
Ascent Solar is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer committed to finding the best people from all walks of life and creating a diverse and inclusive workspace, where everyone is welcomed and valued for their unique contribution to our team!
See All 8 Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Colorado
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Find JobsManufacturing Operations Manager Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Operations Manager Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing operations manager jobs across Colorado.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, industrial management, or a related technical field
- Five or more years of progressive operations or production management experience in a manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated proficiency with lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience managing cross-functional teams, scheduling, and production output across multiple shifts
- Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle for production planning and inventory control
- Strong knowledge of OSHA safety standards and Colorado workplace compliance requirements
Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing operations manager in Colorado?
Most manufacturing operations managers in Colorado start with a bachelor's degree in engineering, industrial management, or a related field, then build experience in production supervision or process engineering roles. Colorado does not require a state-issued license for this role, but employers in regulated sectors like aerospace or medical devices often expect certifications such as Certified Manufacturing Engineer or Six Sigma Black Belt. Advancing through floor-level and plant management positions at Colorado's large aerospace or defense manufacturers is the most common path.
How much do manufacturing operations managers make in Colorado?
Manufacturing operations managers in Colorado earn a median of about $141,020 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $86,460 for the lowest 10% to over $230,410 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire manufacturing operations managers in Colorado?
Companies currently hiring manufacturing operations managers in Colorado include Kroger, EchoStar, and Mesa Labs, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Colorado's concentration of aerospace, defense, and medical device manufacturers means many of the most consistent openings come from large facilities along the Front Range corridor.
Which Colorado cities have the most manufacturing operations manager jobs?
Denver, Boulder, and Durango have the most manufacturing operations manager openings in Colorado. Denver leads because of its dense cluster of aerospace, defense, and industrial headquarters, while Colorado Springs draws demand from major defense contractors and electronics manufacturers, and Pueblo's steel and industrial base supports a steady volume of plant-level operations roles.
Are there remote manufacturing operations manager jobs in Colorado?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of manufacturing operations manager openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting that the role is fundamentally floor- and facility-based. The portions most likely to allow remote work are administrative functions like reporting, vendor coordination, and budget planning rather than the core production oversight responsibilities.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing operations manager in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a production supervisor or manufacturing engineer role first, then building toward operations management over time. Large Colorado employers in aerospace and defense, including those in the Denver and Colorado Springs areas, regularly hire production associates, quality technicians, and process engineers at the entry level and develop them internally. Completing a lean manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification while in an entry role signals readiness for advancement and is a common differentiator among candidates without direct management experience.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing operations manager jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to manufacturing operations manager jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current Colorado openings. Search the roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit your experience and location.
See All 8 Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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