Stephan Schwab

Operation Manager @ First Solar

United States

About

With over 20 years of experience in automotive manufacturing management, which indudes Maintenance, Quality, Process Engineering and Production, I am an expert who currently leads the Formation/Module production team at StarPlus Energy, a joint venture between Samsung SDI and Stellantis that produces lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. My mission is to ensure the highest quality, efficiency, and safety standards for our products and processes, while aligning with the strategic goals and vision of our company and partners. As a Business Unit Leader and a Production Manager, I have successfully implemented lean manufacturing principles, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple plants and departments, resulting in improved productivity, reduced costs, and increased customer satisfaction. I have also fostered a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence among my team members and stakeholders, empowering them to achieve their full potential and deliver outstanding performance. My field of expertise is in the automotive manufacturing industry, where I have gained a deep understanding of the market trends, customer needs, and technological advancements that drive the growth and competitiveness of our sector. i've utilized my experience in 6 new launches, including 2 which were greenfield, internaional JV's.

Experience

  • Operations Manager at First Solar
    Mar 2026 - Present · 4 mos

  • Formation Operation Manager at StarPlus Energy (Samsung SDI - Stellantis JV)
    May 2023 - Mar 2026 · 2 yrs 11 mos

    • Built a strong cohesive team at StarPlus Energy to support a positive company culture and successfully launch manufacturing operations using Lean Manufacturing tools. • Anticipated and led initiatives in a Start-up environment, establishing processes for material flow, Quality assurance, and manufacturing efficiency.

  • Value Stream Leader at IFA- North America LLC
    Nov 2022 - Mar 2023 · 5 mos

  • Associate Director at Allison Transmission
    Jul 2021 - Dec 2022 · 1 yr 6 mos

    Production Manager at Allison Transmission Plant 12 in Indianapolis Indiana.

  • FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Full-time · 25 yrs 3 mos)
    • Business Unit Manager
      May 1996 - Jul 2021 · 25 yrs 3 mos

      • Implemented lean principles in both Green and Brown field sites, domestically and internationally, to optimize manufacturing operations. • Led initiatives to improve safety, quality, and cost efficiency in production, maintenance, and safety roles at FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. • Streamlined processes resulting in increased productivity and cost savings for the Automotive Industry.

    • Engineering Manager
      Jul 2003 - Jul 2006 · 3 yrs 1 mo

      Responsibility of engineering support for Kenosha Engine Plant in Kenosha Wisconsin. Direct reports included 16 tool, process and control engineers, preset, cutter grind and 3rd party tooling suppliers.

    • Maintainance / Production Supervision
      May 1996 - Jul 2000 · 4 yrs 3 mos

      Supported Maintenance and Production in Supervisory roles. Lead and restructured Gage and Calibration department. Trained other supervisors. Established operational systems and standards as required.