Location: Johnson City, Tennessee (In office)

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: Compensation will be based on experience

Benefits: Health insurance, dental and vision as well as other benefits

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements and export control regulations, candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders). This position may involve access to controlled information subject to ITAR or EAR restrictions.

DESCRIPTION

REEcycle is a pioneer in the recycling of rare earth elements (REEs) from end-of-life permanent magnets. Our patented technology is the U.S’ answer to China’s dominance in the rare earth supply chain. REEcycle is backed by institutional investors and supported by a Department of Defense contract, underscoring the importance and urgency of our mission.

As we scale toward commercial production, we are seeking a Vice President of Operations to manage and optimize our proprietary systems. We’re looking for a roll-up-your-sleeves leader who thrives in ambiguity, leads from the front, and is excited to shape the operational backbone of a high-impact manufacturing venture.

If you're excited a fast paced environment and overseeing the next phase for our company, we’d love to speak with you about our Vice President of Operations position.

Position Overview

The VP of Operations will be responsible for planning, launching, and scaling all aspects of facility operations. This includes site build-out, equipment selection and procurement, EHS and quality systems, hiring, vendor management, and ensuring the program meets its technical and operational milestones.

This role demands strategic thinking and tactical execution across disciplines—combining plant design, supply chain, project management, and operational leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Facility Build-Out & Start-Up

• Lead all aspects of greenfield plant development from planning to commissioning.

• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and government stakeholders to ensure compliance with technical specs and DoD funding requirements.

• Select and procure equipment, oversee installation and integration.

Operational Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute operational plans aligned with company milestones.

• Establish SOPs, KPIs, and reporting systems across production, logistics, inventory, and maintenance.

• Build and lead cross-functional teams for manufacturing, facilities, EHS, quality, and supply chain.

Safety, Compliance & Quality

• Implement safety protocols in line with OSHA, DoD, and other regulatory standards.

• Create a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Develop and oversee ISO and/or other relevant quality assurance systems.

Procurement & Supply Chain

• Source and negotiate with equipment vendors, contractors, and material suppliers.

• Set up inbound/outbound logistics and warehouse processes to support pilot and full-scale production.

Leadership & Culture

• Hire, mentor, and develop high-performing operations staff.

• Promote a mission-aligned, hands-on culture that can scale with the company.

• Represent Operations in executive and external partner meetings.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, Robotics, or Manufacturing disciplines).

• 8+ years of progressive experience in engineering, product development, or manufacturing environments.

• Proven ability to lead end-to-end equipment manufacturing projects, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination.

• Strong proficiency in CAD platforms, specifically SolidWorks and Onshape.

• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, industrial materials, design for manufacturability, and supply chain logistics.

• Track record of successfully managing small, cross-functional teams toward technical milestones and deliverables.

Desired/Preferred Experience:

• Experience taking custom/prototype industrial machinery from concept to commercialization.

• Familiarity with relevant compliance standards and certification pathways (e.g. UL, CE marking, electrical/mechanical safety standards).

• Comfort working in agile or fast-moving hardware development environments.

• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to bridge technical and business functions.

• Ability to grow and lead the procurement and development teams, with experience reporting directly to senior management and the C-Suite.

Qualifications

Required:

• 10+ years of experience in operations or manufacturing leadership roles, with at least 3 years in a startup, greenfield, or scale-up environment.

• Experience building and launching manufacturing or recycling facilities.

• Deep understanding of industrial equipment, supply chain, EHS, and quality systems.

• Demonstrated ability to operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while balancing strategic and tactical demands.

• Familiarity with DoD-funded programs or working within a government-regulated environment is a major plus.

Preferred:

• Engineering, operations, or business degree (BS required; MS/MBA preferred).

• Experience with hazardous materials, recycling processes, or sustainability-focused industrial operations.

• Prior experience working with government contractors or public-private partnerships.

Why Join Us?

• Shape a first-of-its-kind industrial project that matters to national security and sustainability.

• Work directly with a committed founding team and top-tier stakeholders.

• Lead, build, and own one of the most critical aspects of our venture.