Pilot Plant Manager
Full-time | Hybrid (Dublin-based preferred)
Join us at Lios – creators of a breakthrough material transforming noise reduction. We're building a quieter, greener future by rethinking how sound is managed across industries. Backed by over a decade of acoustic research, our team is scaling a sustainable material with real world impact — from aerospace to home appliances. We're expanding our team as we go to market. If you're curious, driven, and excited by science with purpose, we'd love to hear from you.
We have a huge opportunity to join our team and be at the forefront of our next phase of growth. Our pilot plant manager will lead the scale up of SoundBounce from prototype to pilot production. Instrumental in bringing the technology to life, the pilot manager will run the production implementation process from start to finish – product specifications, plant selection, process design, equipment procurement, process validation, and quality assurance.
We're seeking an experienced production leader who's built pilot lines in the past and is excited to bring their talents to Lios.
What you'll do
Process Design
* Evaluate and select pilot plant sites – considering cost, logistics, and regulations
* Interface with the commercial and R&D teams to translate prototype specifications into manufacturing specifications
* Develop plant layout, workflow, work force requirements, bill of materials, equipment specifications, and capital expenditure plans
Purchasing & Procurement
* Lead initiatives to procure equipment including requirement scoping, cost / benefit analysis, price negotiations, and approvals
* Oversee the safe and efficient installation of machinery and systems
* Creation of supply chain for pilot operations
Process Implementation
* Manage operational budgets and timelines for the pilot plan
* Recruit, train, and lead operations and production staff
* Identify non-conformances and where appropriate take action to correct and minimise disruption to production
* Responsible for delivering pilot components according to the specifications
Quality & Safety
* Ensure processes and equipment are operated safely, in compliance with ISO standards, internal procedures, and production schedules
* Identify KPIs of the plant and team, and implement change for continuous improvement in the pilot plant
* Review and update pilot plant and small-scale production SOPs
What you'll bring
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Manufacturing/Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or similar field. Equivalent industry experience is also welcome
* Proven track record: You've built and operated pilot production functions for high-growth manufacturing companies. You know how to build from zero, and you thrive in ambiguity
* Strong knowledge of process engineering and industrial equipment
* Strong project management and leadership skills – taking ownership of business-critical outcomes
* Ability to work hands-on as well as strategically
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Why this role matters
You will lead the charge in bringing SoundBounce to its first customers, shaping how our technology gets into the world. This is a rare opportunity to help scale a novel material with huge commercial and climate impact.
At Lios, we believe people do their best work when they feel supported, trusted, and inspired. Here's what you can expect when you join us:
* Flexible hours and hybrid working — remote work supported outside of lab-based roles
* 25 days annual leave (pro-rata) + public holidays
* Competitive salary, with equity options for key hires
* Enhanced maternity and paternity leave benefit
* Enhanced leave and support for parents
* Comfortable, relaxed office in the heart of Dublin city centre
* Bike to Work Scheme and Travel Saver programme
* Opportunities to shape how we grow — we're a small team where every voice counts
How to Apply
Please apply via LinkedIn or send your CV and a short note about why this role interests you to -