Head of Supply Chain & Manufacturing Engineering

Location: San Mateo CA (Factory Location May Be Pittsburgh or the Midwest)
Company Stage of Funding: Growth-Stage Robotics & AI Company ($1.8B Raised)
Office Type: Onsite
Salary: $100000$300000 Competitive Equity

Were representing one of the fastest-growing robotics companies building general-purpose robotic intelligence for real-world automation. Their mission is to develop intelligent robots capable of performing a wide variety of physical tasks bridging cutting-edge AI with scalable hardware manufacturing.

Backed by more than $1.8 billion in funding the company is entering a pivotal phase as it transitions from prototype development to commercial-scale manufacturing. Theyre seeking a founding Head of Supply Chain & Manufacturing Engineering to build the manufacturing organization from the ground up and lead the strategy that will bring next-generation robotic systems into large-scale production.

• Lead the transition of robotic systems from prototype builds to scalable high-volume manufacturing.
• Build and own the companys manufacturing engineering and supply chain organization from the ground up.
• Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Design for Assembly (DFA) and cost optimization initiatives alongside hardware engineering teams.
• Develop global supplier strategies while managing relationships with contract manufacturers and component vendors particularly across China.
• Lead factory planning manufacturing process development and production ramp efforts to support hundreds of robots per month.
• Optimize bill of materials (BOM) manufacturing costs sourcing strategies and supply chain resiliency.
• Establish scalable manufacturing processes quality systems and operational workflows that support rapid growth.
• Partner closely with mechanical electrical systems and operations teams to ensure products are designed for efficient production.
• Negotiate supplier contracts manufacturing agreements and strategic vendor partnerships.
• Build and mentor a world-class manufacturing and supply chain organization as the company scales.

• 10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering supply chain engineering or hardware operations.
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Proven experience taking complex hardware products from prototype through commercial manufacturing.
• Experience establishing manufacturing operations or factories within the United States.
• Demonstrated success scaling robotics automotive or electromechanical products to production volumes of 300400 units per month or greater.
• Strong hands-on technical background with expertise in manufacturing processes supplier management and engineering operations.
• Extensive experience managing global manufacturing partners and suppliers particularly throughout China.
• Strong understanding of DFM DFA cost engineering manufacturing quality and production ramp planning.
• Excellent leadership negotiation and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Experience at robotics autonomous systems automotive or advanced hardware companies.
• Background at organizations such as Tesla Rivian Boston Dynamics Agility Robotics DJI Apple Symbotic or similar hardware manufacturers.
• Experience building manufacturing organizations within venture-backed startups.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design electromechanical systems and robotics hardware.
• Experience leading contract manufacturing relationships and global supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated ability to balance engineering quality manufacturing efficiency and aggressive production timelines.
• Passion for building organizations from zero to one in fast-paced startup environments.
• Comfortable operating as both a strategic leader and hands-on technical contributor.

• Base salary: $100000$300000.
• Competitive equity package.
• Visa sponsorship available for qualified H-1B transfer candidates with select sponsorship available for exceptional international candidates.
• Relocation assistance provided.
• Opportunity to build and lead the manufacturing organization at one of the worlds best-funded AI robotics companies.
• Significant ownership over manufacturing strategy supply chain operations and production scale-up.
• Direct collaboration with founders and executive leadership during a critical stage of company growth.
• Opportunity to help bring next-generation intelligent robots from prototype to commercial deployment at scale.

Required Experience:

Director