About this role
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: $100,000–$300,000 + Competitive Equity
Company Description
We're 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. They're 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.
What You Will Do
- Lead the transition of robotic systems from prototype builds to scalable, high-volume manufacturing.
- Build and own the company's 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.
Ideal Background
- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, supply chain engineering, or hardware operations.
- Bachelor's 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 300–400 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.
Preferred
- 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.
Compensation and Benefits
- Base salary: $100,000–$300,000.
- 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 world's 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.
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