Find & Apply For Operations Manager / Supervisor Jobs in Lake Forest, California

We are launching a premier, next-generation additive manufacturing platform specializing exclusively in Industrial Metal 3D Printing (DMLS/SLM) and High-Precision Commercial SLA (Stereolithography) . Moving strictly beyond consumer-grade plastic filament, our platform delivers functional end-use metal parts, engineering prototypes, and ultra-high-detail resin components. Customers—ranging from hardware engineers and R D teams to bespoke luxury creators—can either upload existing 3D CAD files (STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ) for instant quoting or generate complex 3D geometries from scratch using our proprietary AI generation tools , and have them manufactured in aerospace-grade metals or industrial resins. How We Operate (Asset-Light & High-Scale):

Proprietary AI & Software:

Backed by an established engineering and technology group, our dedicated in-house AI and software engineering team builds and maintains the web platform, generative 3D pipelines, and automated quoting tools.

Industrial Manufacturing Network:

Established commercial Metal and SLA print bureaus serve as our production backbone and fulfillment partners. We are seeking a driven, entrepreneurial Founding General Manager to take full ownership of the commercial and operational engine—driving B2B Business Development, Marketing Growth, Vendor Supply Chain, and Team Scaling . Why This Role Is Different This is not a middle-management corporate desk job—it is a ground-floor executive pathway . Because our in-house AI team handles the software stack and our industrial suppliers handle the physical laser sintering machines, your focus is 100% on revenue generation, market positioning, supply chain margins, and building a high-performing team . For the right builder who proves they can drive customer acquisition, protect unit economics, and scale operations, this role includes a structured milestone pathway to becoming an Operating Partner with profit-sharing/equity. What You Will Own 1. Business Development & B2B Sales Build and execute the outbound B2B sales strategy targeting high-value verticals (robotics/hardware startups, defense/aerospace, custom automotive, industrial design firms, architectural hardware, and bespoke luxury goods). Identify, pitch, and close recurring enterprise accounts and strategic partnerships requiring ongoing Metal and SLA production. Act as the lead closer for high-ticket custom quotes, guiding clients from initial inquiry or AI concept generation to final bulk purchase orders. 2. Marketing Strategy & Customer Acquisition Lead the go-to-market (GTM) and brand positioning strategy—establishing our reputation as a high-end industrial and AI-powered manufacturing bureau. Oversee digital marketing campaigns (LinkedIn/Google Ads, SEO/GEO, content marketing, and high-impact showcase videos of AI-to-Metal builds) to drive qualified traffic and online checkout conversions. Represent the brand at industry trade shows, engineering expos, and partner events to generate inbound leads. 3. Industrial Vendor & Supply Chain Orchestration (Metal & SLA) Serve as the primary liaison managing our network of industrial

DMLS/SLM

metal and commercial SLA production suppliers. Negotiate vendor pricing tiers across high-value materials (Stainless Steel 316L/17-4PH, Titanium, Aluminum, Inconel, and Engineering/Castable SLA Resins) to maximize platform gross margins. Enforce strict vendor SLAs regarding lead times, dimensional accuracy, surface finishing (CNC post-machining, heat treatment, bead blasting, polishing, electroplating), and white-label shipping. 4. Daily Order Operations & "AI-to-Metal" Triage Oversee the daily order pipeline from customer checkout through vendor fulfillment. Establish Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) screening protocols—ensuring that AI-generated 3D meshes and uploaded CAD models meet critical requirements for metal sintering and SLA (wall thickness, powder/resin drainage, thermal stress mitigation, and support accessibility) before dispatching to production partners. Audit quote-to-cost unit economics on every job to protect profitability. 5. Product Feedback Loop & Team Building Collaborate directly with our in-house AI and software engineers to translate customer insights and physical manufacturing rules into software automation (e.g., conversion funnel improvements, automated pricing calibration, and automated mesh printability checks). Recruit, hire, and lead a dedicated team across Sales/BD, Marketing, Application Engineering, and Customer Support as revenue scales.

What We're Looking For Commercial & Operational Track Record:

3+ years of experience combining B2B business development/marketing with operations or vendor supply chain management —ideally within on-demand manufacturing, 3D printing bureaus, CNC marketplaces, or technical e-commerce.

Additive Manufacturing Literacy:

Strong working knowledge of Metal (DMLS/SLM) and Commercial SLA processes, materials, post-processing workflows, and how industrial parts are priced and sold.

Hunter & Builder Mentality:

You are equally comfortable launching a marketing campaign and pitching an Engineering Director in the morning as you are negotiating margin rates with a metal print supplier in the afternoon.

Leadership & Scaling Potential:

Proven ability to build repeatable sales and operational playbooks (SOPs) and hire a team around them.

AI & Tech-Forward Mindset:

Excited about showcasing the power of generative AI in physical manufacturing and working alongside an elite software engineering team. Compensation, Commission & Partnership Structure In compliance with California pay transparency laws, the base salary range for this role is $90,000

•$125,000 , commensurate with experience and existing industry network.

Base Salary:

$90,000

•$125,000

Uncapped Gross Margin Commission:

Earn direct commission on realized gross profit across both self-sourced B2B accounts and platform/marketing orders (Projected Year 1-2

OTE:

$150,000

•$220,000+ ). Operating Partner /

Equity Pathway:

Milestone-based profit-sharing and operating equity structure unlocked upon achieving agreed-upon annualized revenue, gross margin, and team autonomy targets.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health/dental/vision coverage, paid time off, 401k match and direct executive mentorship within a thriving multi-disciplinary engineering organization.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$90,000.00

•$125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Lake Forest, CA 92630