Director, Global Operations Engineering - Samsara
Chicago, IL 60290
About the Job
Samsara (NYSE: IOT) is the pioneer of the Connected Operations™ Cloud, which is a platform that enables organizations that depend on physical operations to harness Internet of Things (IoT) data to develop actionable insights and improve their operations. At Samsara, we are helping improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of the physical operations that power our global economy. Representing more than 40% of global GDP, these industries are the infrastructure of our planet, including agriculture, construction, field services, transportation, and manufacturing — and we are excited to help digitally transform their operations at scale.
Working at Samsara means you’ll help define the future of physical operations and be on a team that’s shaping an exciting array of product solutions, including Video-Based Safety, Vehicle Telematics, Apps and Driver Workflows, Equipment Monitoring, and Site Visibility. As part of a recently public company, you’ll have the autonomy and support to make an impact as we build for the long term.
About the role:
Samsara is seeking a dynamic leader and technology manufacturing expert to spearhead our IoT products manufacturing. This individual will be accountable for leveraging technology and operational excellence to ensure the production of high-quality products. The role involves close collaboration with a cross-functional team of engineers, program managers, supply chain managers, and joint design manufacturers to launch new products from prototypes to mass production. The successful candidate will lead a team of manufacturing and quality engineers, monitor yield metrics, manage line capacity, and design processes to meet operational requirements.
This is a remote position based in the United States.
In this role, you will:
• Develop Vision and Strategy: Build the global operations engineering organization by setting a clear vision and operational execution plan, aligning with Samsara’s commitment to long-term building.
• New Product Development: Enhance capabilities to develop and launch new products while maintaining high manufacturing quality standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with engineering and supply chain management teams to identify manufacturing requirements, qualify production lines, and deploy solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with broader operations teams to identify problems, conduct Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) processes, and resolve line issues.
• Technology Implementation: Deploy analytical and efficiency tools such as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to monitor factory quality and enable continuous improvements.
• People Strategy Execution: Drive a talent strategy through hiring external candidates and developing internal talent, ensuring team members receive development opportunities and coaching to realize their full potential.
• Champion, role model, and embed Samsara’s cultural principles (Focus on Customer Success, Build for the Long Term, Adopt a Growth Mindset, Be Inclusive, Win as a Team) as we scale globally and across new offices
• Hire, develop and lead an inclusive, engaged, and high performing team
Minimum requirements for the role:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering fields; a Master’s degree is highly preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment with expertise in high-volume production in a contract manufacturing setting, including 4+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience working with joint design and contract manufacturers to develop and qualify production lines.
An ideal candidate also has:
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives and priorities under tight deadlines.
• A creative approach to problem-solving with hands-on experience on the factory floor.
• Flexibility to quickly adapt to changing directions or new priorities.
• Capability to write standard operating procedures for test and assembly manufacturing processes.
• Detail-oriented with strong communication skills to interact with cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
• Ability to influence others and work within cross-functional teams to make critical decisions.
Samsara’s Compensation Philosophy: Samsara’s compensation program is designed to deliver Total Direct Compensation (based on role, level, and geography) that is at or above market. We do this through our base salary + bonus/variable + restricted stock unit awards (RSUs) for eligible roles. For eligible roles, a new hire RSU award may be awarded at the time of hire, and additional RSU refresh grants may be awarded annually.