35+ years commercializing deep-tech hardware — from the first prototype to global deployment. Expert at building world-class engineering organizations, creating defensible IP, and turning breakthrough science into manufacturable, scalable products across cleantech, water technology, advanced manufacturing, and defense.
Why Michael Greene
I'm the executive companies call when they have a technology that works in the lab and need someone to build the organization, the processes, and the supply chain to make it work in the real world — at scale, across borders, under budget.
Most recently as VP of Engineering at Trevi Systems, I took a novel forward osmosis water purification technology from concept to commercial deployment across five countries, inventing patented system components along the way and serving as de facto COO for all operational functions. Before that, I spent nearly two decades at General Motors and Delphi Automotive directing international manufacturing programs across 20 countries on 4 continents.
What sets me apart: I am equally at home in the boardroom presenting technology strategy to investors and on the shop floor debugging a production process. I hold an M.S. in Computer Engineering and am a Six Sigma Master Black Belt — a combination that gives me both the technical credibility to lead engineering teams and the process rigor to scale what they build.
Specialist in taking complex hardware from R&D to reliable, repeatable commercial production — the hardest and most valuable transition in deep tech.
Invented patented polymeric heat exchangers and water purification membranes at Trevi Systems, creating defensible competitive moats from first principles.
On-site leadership in 20 countries; built and managed 100+ customer and supplier relationships across 4 continents. Delivered a $60M Greenfield facility in Hungary in 12 months.
Built engineering organizations from zero at multiple startups; scaled cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, procurement, quality, and supply chain.
Signature Achievements
Expertise
Defining technology roadmaps, R&D priorities, and IP strategy. Aligning engineering capability with business objectives and investor milestones.
Design and launch of novel production lines. APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, lean, standard work. From prototype to serial production with no established template.
Forward osmosis, desalination, produced water treatment, industrial water systems. Thermal and hydraulic modeling, P&ID/PFD development, systems integration.
International manufacturing, cross-cultural team leadership, global supply chain development. On-site experience in 20 countries across 4 continents.
Multi-disciplinary systems integration across mechanical, electrical, fluid, and thermal domains. First-principles design and analysis. BOM and documentation management.
Built and led engineering teams from zero at multiple startups. Cross-functional leadership across engineering, ops, procurement, supply chain, and quality.
Career History
Target Sectors & Keywords
Let's Connect
I'm actively exploring senior executive opportunities in cleantech, water technology, deep tech hardware, and advanced manufacturing — in the Bay Area and open to relocation for the right role.
Petaluma, CA · M.S. Computer Engineering · Six Sigma Master Black Belt