Head of Production

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success.

Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations.

Role Summary:

Overland AI is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Production to lead all aspects of production and manufacturing to meet the growing operational demand for our unmanned ground vehicles (UGV). Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this leader will be responsible for building and managing production operations, ensuring our vehicles are manufactured at the highest levels of quality, reliability, and performance.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in advanced manufacturing or robotics, a hands-on leadership style, and a track record of scaling complex hardware operations in fast-paced environments. This role requires deep cross-functional collaboration with engineering and program teams to meet aggressive production timelines in support of critical projects.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Production Leadership

• Lead the ongoing optimization and scaling of Overland AI’s full-scale manufacturing, building on early pilot successes to meet growing demand with precision and efficiency.
• Design and implement production plans, workflows, and systems to meet delivery and quality targets.
• Partner with engineering and supply chain leaders to optimize build processes and reduce lead times.
• Hire, develop, and lead a high-performing production team including technicians, leads, and support staff.
• Define and embed best practices for training, safety, communication, and accountability across the team.
• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Develop and enforce rigorous quality control systems to ensure every vehicle meets mission-critical standards.
• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring full compliance with OSHA and other applicable safety regulations.
• Maintain compliance with all relevant DoD, environmental, and operational standards.

Manufacturing Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day production floor activities and facility operations at our Seattle manufacturing location.
• Drive implementation of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar principles to eliminate waste and maximize throughput.

Cross-Functional Execution

• Work closely with hardware and software engineering teams to bring new designs into production efficiently.
• Partner with supply chain to manage material availability and lead times.
• Collaborate with program and operations leads to ensure delivery milestones and customer commitments are met.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing or production operations, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role.

Desired Experience and Qualifications

• Experience in autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, or defense-related production strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success building and scaling production lines in a fast-paced, complex hardware environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, tooling, and quality control.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive alignment across engineering and operations.

Location:

This is a hands-on leadership role based on-site at our production facility in Seattle, WA.

The position requires regular presence on the shop floor, including interaction with tools, equipment, and vehicle systems. Occasional travel may be required for supplier visits or customer engagements.

Overland AI believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day.

• Salary range: $250,000 - 320,000 annually
• Equity compensation
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, and vision plans
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) with company match
• Parental leave

Overland AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

This position may involve access to export-controlled technology. Employment is contingent on the ability to comply with U.S. export control laws.

Overland AI provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. Please contact View email address on click.appcast.io to request an accommodation.