Robotics Head of Production

• Initially act as the primary individual contributor responsible for building and validating systems, while establishing the standards that future team members will follow
• Assemble full drone systems and subassemblies with high precision and repeatability
• Perform soldering, wiring, integration, calibration, and system bring-up
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair hardware systems
• Support prototype builds and engineering iterations
• Establish “gold standard” builds for future production replication
• Ensure every system shipped meets performance and reliability standards

• Design and implement the production function from scratch
• Define and implement the end-to-end production workflow (build → test → ship)
• Design production floor layout, tooling, and workstations
• Establish assembly line processes and throughput models
• Create scalable systems for:
• • Work instructions
  • Quality control checkpoints
  • Build tracking and traceability
• Transition from prototype builds → low-rate production → scalable manufacturing
• Introduce and implement lean manufacturing principles

• Turn tribal knowledge into scalable systems
• Create and maintain:
• • Assembly guides
  • Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Test and calibration protocols
• Implement version control for production documentation
• Ensure processes are clear, repeatable, and transferable to new hires

• Ensure production quality scales with the business
• Define and enforce quality control standards and testing procedures
• Build inspection, validation, and failure analysis processes
• Track production metrics (yield, defects, rework rates)
• Implement continuous improvement loops
• Partner with engineering to improve reliability and manufacturability

• Own delivery timelines and output
• Build and manage production schedules
• Align builds with customer demand and internal priorities
• Identify bottlenecks and proactively resolve them
• Ensure on-time delivery of production units
• Drive throughput, yield, and cost efficiency
• Track and improve key production metrics

• Build the operational backbone of production
• Own inventory management systems 
• Own demand planning and material forecasting
• Manage receiving, storage, and part traceability
• Oversee shipping, logistics, and fulfillment operations
• Ensure production readiness at all times (tools, materials, workspace)

• Own supplier relationships and hardware sourcing strategy
• Identify, onboard, and manage suppliers and contract manufacturers
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supply agreements
• Ensure component quality, reliability, and availability
• Develop redundancy and risk mitigation strategies in the supply chain
• Manage inbound logistics and supplier performance
• Collaborate with engineering on design-for-manufacturing (DFM) decisions

• Own the transition of day-to-day build execution to the team you hire, while maintaining accountability for output, quality, and delivery 
• Hire and train production technicians and specialists
• Define roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
• Build a culture of quality, ownership, and craftsmanship
• Act as the bridge between engineering and operations

WHAT YOU BRING

• 7+ years of experience in hardware production, manufacturing, or complex system assembly
• Experience in 0→1 or early-stage production environments (robotics, drones, aerospace, hardware startups)
• Strong hands-on builder with the ability to assemble and troubleshoot systems directly
• Equally comfortable at the workbench and at the system level
• Advanced experience with:
• • Electronics assembly, soldering, wiring, PCBs
  • Mechanical assembly and integration
• Strong understanding of:
• • Production workflows
  • Supply chain and vendor management
  • Inventory systems and logistics
• Experience implementing:
• • Manufacturing processes
  • Quality systems
  • Production scaling strategies

BONUS POINTS

• Experience scaling production from prototype → manufacturing
• Background in drones, robotics, aerospace, or defense hardware
• You don’t want to inherit a production system,  you want to build it 

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to build autonomy that moves beyond simulation and operates on real robots in challenging, mission-critical environments
• Meaningful ownership of a core product capability, with the ability to influence Cleo’s autonomy architecture, technical direction, and roadmap
• A high-impact role on a small, talented team where your ideas can move rapidly from development to real-world deployment
• The opportunity to expand your technical scope, take on greater ownership, and grow alongside the company
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Equity for every new hire, giving everyone the opportunity to share in Cleo’s growth
• Flexible paid time off and company holidays
• A collaborative, energetic workplace with a fully stocked kitchen and regular team gatherings