Materials Manager, Transformers
What you'll do
The Materials Manager for Transformers owns the flow of materials behind our transformer production — metal tanks, core & coil, dielectric oil, and assembly components — from BOM accuracy and demand planning through to materials staged and ready to build. You will manage materials planning and scheduling across our transformer contract manufacturers, keep production supplied against manufacturing capacity, and manage the risk, lead time, and tariff exposure of a global transformer supply base. This role is the connective tissue between Procurement, Production, Engineering, and our contract manufacturers.
Where you'll work
This role is based out of our Houston location and will require 25% travel.
Responsibilities
BOM & Materials Planning
Own BOM accuracy and structure for transformer products — tanks, core & coil, oil, and assembly hardware — in the ERP/MRP system
Translate the production schedule into materials requirements (MRP); convert demand into supplier releases and purchase requisitions
Manage engineering change (ECO) impact on existing transformer inventory and open orders
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) — ensure long-lead components (core steel, copper/aluminum winding, tanks) are ordered early enough to hit pilot build and factory acceptance test (FAT) dates
Scheduling & Capacity
Build and maintain the master production schedule (MPS) for the transformer line, reconciled against real contract manufacturer capacity
Coordinate build schedules with tank fabricators, core & coil winders, and final assembly contract manufacturers
Participate in S&OP/demand planning to align transformer production plans with sales forecasts
Inventory & Stock Management
Own inventory strategy — safety stock levels, buffer stock, and build-to-order vs. build-to-stock decisions for tanks, core & coil materials, and oil
Manage kitting and staging so the right components are ready at transformer build and final assembly stations
Track inventory health: turns, excess & obsolete (E&O) inventory, and cycle count accuracy
Lead Time & Risk Management
Manage lead times and allocation for long-lead transformer items — core steel, copper/aluminum winding, custom-fabricated tanks, and dielectric oil
Make allocation calls during component shortages, balancing customer commitments and production priorities
Identify and mitigate single-source, capacity, and geopolitical risk across the transformer supply base
Global Planning & Tariff Management
Coordinate materials flow and inventory visibility across transformer contract manufacturers and Giga facilities
Own tariff and trade compliance planning for transformer components — HTS classification, Section 301/232 exposure, USMCA qualification, and country-of-origin tracking
Evaluate sourcing and inventory strategies (e.g., bonded warehousing, duty drawback) to manage tariff cost impact
Manage logistics and expediting decisions — air vs. ocean freight — when schedules are at risk
Requirements
4+ years in materials management, production planning, or supply chain, ideally in transformer, electrical equipment, or heavy industrial manufacturing
Hands-on experience with BOM management, MRP/ERP systems, and master scheduling
Experience managing long lead-time materials — core steel, magnet wire, custom tank fabrication — in a transformer or similar heavy electrical equipment environment
Working knowledge of tariff classification and trade compliance (Section 301/232, USMCA, HTS)
Experience coordinating materials across multiple sites, including offshore contract manufacturers
Strong analytical skills — comfortable building inventory, capacity, and risk models
Ability to read BOMs, drawings, and specifications to support planning decisions
Strong communication skills; able to work cross-functionally with Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and Operations
Benefits
Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
Equity (options) in a rapidly growing startup
401(k) with 4% employer match
Unlimited PTO
Parental leave
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
Commuter benefits
Team on-sites where all offices come in–person to collaborate