Robotics Head of Production

Cleo Robotics builds unconventional autonomous robotic systems designed to operate in the world's most challenging and inaccessible environments. Our mission is to deploy intelligent machines into critical environments to improve operational efficiency, reduce unplanned downtime, and keep people out of harm's way. Our technology is used across industries including energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, public safety, and defense. We're a growing team of experts in robotics and autonomous systems with diverse backgrounds and skills. We value making an impact, thinking big, leading with empathy, and having fun along the way.

If you get excited about solving big problems and building robots straight from science fiction, and you thrive in a fast-paced environment, this role might be for you!

ABOUT THE ROLE
Cleo Robotics is seeking a Head of Production to build our production function from the ground up. This is a foundational, first-of-its-kind role responsible for transforming our current small batch builds into scalable production.

You will begin as a hands-on builder, working directly on assembly while owning production strategy, supplier development, and team building. You will own production end-to-end - from first build to scaled manufacturing - including output, quality, cost, and delivery.

In the early stages, you will spend a significant portion of your time personally executing core production work (assembly, testing, inventory, fulfillment), while simultaneously designing the systems, infrastructure, and processes that will enable scale.

As production grows, you will transition from being the primary builder to hiring and leading a production team — shifting your focus toward oversight, process optimization, and team leadership, while remaining close enough to the hardware to guide builds, train team members, and uphold quality standards.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
Product Build

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

Production Build-Out & Scale-Up

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

Work instructions

Quality control checkpoints

Build tracking and traceability

Introduce and implement lean manufacturing principles

Documentation & Process Infrastructure

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

Quality Systems & Reliability

Ensure production quality scales with the business

Define and enforce quality control standards and testing procedures

Build inspection, validation, and failure analysis processes

Partner with engineering to improve reliability and manufacturability

Production Planning & Execution

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:

Mechanical assembly and integration

Strong understanding of:

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

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