Head of / VP of Production

Location: Seattle, WA

About the Company

Founded in the early 2020s and headquartered in Seattle, this company is advancing next-generation ground systems for complex, real-world environments. Leveraging deep expertise in robotics, autonomy, and field-tested hardware, the team builds rugged, mission-ready platforms designed to operate reliably in challenging terrain and conditions.

The company partners closely with end users and government stakeholders, iterating rapidly to deliver high-performance systems that support critical operations. Backed by strong institutional investors and multi-year contracts, the organization is entering a key scale-up phase as demand for its technology continues to grow.

Role Summary

The company is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Production to lead all aspects of manufacturing and production operations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this leader will be responsible for building, scaling, and optimizing production to meet increasing demand for complex, hardware-driven systems.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in advanced manufacturing, robotics, or defense-adjacent hardware, along with a hands-on leadership style and a proven track record of scaling production in fast-moving environments. This role requires close collaboration with engineering, supply chain, and program teams to meet aggressive delivery timelines while maintaining exceptional quality and reliability.

Strategic Production Leadership

• Lead the scaling and optimization of full-scale manufacturing, building on early production successes to support growing demand

• Design and implement production plans, workflows, and systems that meet delivery, cost, and quality targets

• Partner closely with engineering and supply chain leaders to improve manufacturability and reduce lead times

Team Development & Leadership

• Hire, develop, and lead a high-performing production team, including technicians, leads, and support staff

• Establish best practices for training, safety, communication, and accountability

• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Develop and enforce robust quality control systems to ensure products meet mission-critical standards

• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and applicable regulatory requirements

• Maintain adherence to relevant government, environmental, and operational standards

Manufacturing Operations

• Oversee day-to-day production floor activities and facility operations at the Seattle manufacturing site

• Drive implementation of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to improve throughput and reduce waste

Cross-Functional Execution

• Work closely with hardware and software engineering teams to transition new designs into production

• Partner with supply chain to manage materials, suppliers, and lead times

• Collaborate with program and operations leaders to meet customer delivery commitments

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or related field); Master’s preferred

• 10+ years of manufacturing or production operations experience, with 5+ years in senior leadership roles

• Experience in robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace, or defense-related manufacturing strongly preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Proven success building and scaling production lines for complex hardware products

• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, tooling, and quality systems

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and align engineering, operations, and program execution

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This is a hands-on, on-site leadership role based at a Seattle-area production facility. Regular presence on the shop floor is expected. Occasional travel for supplier or partner engagement may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive-level base salary

• Equity participation

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Unlimited PTO

• 401(k) with company match

• Parental leave