Vice President of Operations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at NovoLINC Inc

Company Overview

NovoLINC is a cutting-edge technology company pioneering the development and commercialization of Thermal Interface Materials (TIM). NovoLINC revolutionizes thermal management with our groundbreaking nanocomposite technology, achieving record-low thermal resistance and maximizing the efficiency of high-power systems. We serve a range of industries, including semiconductors, electronic devices, AI data centers, automotive, and aerospace, with best-in-class thermal interface solutions. At NovoLINC, we believe in a people first approach to company growth where our employees are our most valuable resource and all team members are given the opportunity to contribute and grow their skills.

Role Summary

We are seeking a hands-on, builder-oriented VP of Operations to lead the next phase of scale-up for our thermal interface materials business. This leader will own manufacturing, supply chain, and quality, with responsibility for scaling existing processes through prototype manufacturing and into pilot production. The role will initially focus on bringing prototype equipment online to support customer qualification samples and on preparing full scale manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead startup and commissioning of prototype equipment.
• Scale the existing manufacturing process into reliable prototype production.
• Build the operating cadence, process controls, and standard work needed to produce customer qualification samples.
• Partner with R&D and engineering to improve manufacturability, repeatability, and process stability.
• Own facilities readiness and ensure the physical environment supports safe and efficient operations.
• Oversee environmental, health, and safety practices for the manufacturing environment.
• Establish practical safety processes, training, and compliance routines appropriate for a growing startup.
• Refine the existing supply chain strategy, strengthen supplier relationships, and lead future commercial negotiations.
• Establish planning, inventory, and sourcing practices that support prototype and pilot production.
• Update and strengthen quality controls as the business progresses through prototype and pilot manufacturing.
• Define incoming, in-process, and final inspection standards appropriate to each phase of scale.
• Lead root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Own the design, buildout, and commissioning of pilot manufacturing equipment.
• Build the systems, team, and operating discipline needed to support the next phase of growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, supply chain, or quality leadership.
• Proven experience building or scaling operations in a technical, startup, or growth-stage environment.
• Hands-on experience launching new equipment and taking an existing process into prototype or pilot production.
• Strong background in supplier management, sourcing strategy, and vendor negotiations.
• Working knowledge of quality systems, process control, and continuous improvement.
• Experience managing facilities and EHS responsibilities in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in advanced materials, chemicals, electronics, or similar technical manufacturing environments preferred.
• Ability to operate with urgency, ambiguity, and a strong bias for action.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science, operations, or a related field preferred; advanced degree a plus.

Why This Role

This is a rare opportunity to build the operational backbone of NovoLINC at an inflection point. The right candidate will be energized by hands-on execution today and will position the company for full scale manufacturing.