Vice President of Manufacturing (Palo Alto)

About Wing

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing’s fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.

About The Role

Wing is looking for a visionary and results-oriented Head of Manufacturing to join our Manufacturing & Supply chain team. This pivotal role will lead and scale our drone production and be based in Palo Alto, CA. This role is responsible for overseeing a high-performing team encompassing Manufacturing Operations Management, Quality Assurance, Reliability Engineering, Manufacturing Process Engineering, and Test Engineering.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of complex manufacturing environments, preferably within the aerospace, robotics, or similar high-technology industries. You thrive in a fast-paced, innovative setting and possess a proven track record of establishing efficient and robust manufacturing processes, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring the highest levels of product quality and reliability. You are a strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into actionable manufacturing strategies and possess exceptional people management skills to inspire and develop a talented team.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute Wing’s overall manufacturing strategy to meet current and future production demands, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead and mentor the Manufacturing Operations Management, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Process Engineering, and Test Engineering teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Establish and maintain rigorous quality management systems and processes to ensure the consistent production of high-quality and reliable drone systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all manufacturing processes, leveraging lean manufacturing principles and data-driven analysis to optimize efficiency and reduce waste.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Product teams to ensure seamless transitions from design to manufacturing and to resolve any manufacturing-related challenges.
• Manage and optimize manufacturing budgets, resources, and capital expenditures to achieve production targets within cost constraints.
• Implement and oversee robust safety protocols and compliance standards within the manufacturing environment.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor manufacturing performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Engage with external manufacturing partners and vendors as needed, ensuring strong relationships and effective collaboration.
• Champion a culture of innovation and problem-solving within the manufacturing organization.

What You’ll Need

• 15+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing leadership within a complex, high-volume production environment, preferably in the aerospace, robotics, or automotive industries.
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field or equivalent practical experience; Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience scaling manufacturing operations, operationalizing new product introductions, and commercializing hardware products at a previous company.
• Experience with quality management systems (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001) and statistical process control (SPC) methodologies.
• Proven ability to implement and drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including assembly, testing, and automation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across different teams.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance within a manufacturing organization.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and safety standards relevant to manufacturing.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is the salary range below + bonus + equity + benefits. Wing’s salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Salary Range: $294,000—$335,000 USD

Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.

If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.