Director, Production

Zoox; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 271,000 - 341,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Production to spearhead vehicle assembly and testing processes. In this pivotal role, you will oversee factory operations, ensuring adherence to production volume and quality targets while fostering a safe work environment. Your leadership will be crucial in hiring, training, and evaluating team performance, as well as driving process improvements and workplace safety. Collaborating with various engineering teams, you will implement advanced manufacturing systems and strategies. If you're passionate about innovation and excellence in production management, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Long-term Care Insurance

Disability Insurance

Stock Appreciation Rights

Amazon RSUs

Qualifications

• 20+ years in managing vehicle or complex electromechanical assemblies.
• 5+ years in a production/plant management role.

Responsibilities

• Lead vehicle assembly and testing processes to ensure quality and safety.
• Manage production plans and employee training for optimal performance.

Skills

Leadership

Production Management

Process Improvement

Communication Skills

Safety Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Management

Tools

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Automation Systems

Job description

As the Director of Production, you will lead all aspects of vehicle assembly, diagnostics, testing, and End-of-Line (EOL) processes, ensuring the successful build and validation of Zoox vehicles. You will oversee daily factory operations, managing, coordinating, planning, and directing the production team to meet production volume and quality targets while maintaining a safe working environment. Reporting to the Senior Director of Manufacturing Engineering and General Assembly, you will be a critical leader in the Zoox Manufacturing Operations team.

Your responsibilities will encompass hiring, training, and performance evaluation of direct and indirect employees, analyzing production data, driving process improvements, and leading workplace safety best practices. You will guarantee that finished products meet all quality and product specifications. Possessing strong communication skills, you will serve as the primary point of contact for the executive team regarding all General Assembly matters. You will also manage financial and headcount budgets. The Manufacturing Engineering and Logistics teams will support the Production team, and you will collaborate closely with Corporate Quality, Supply Chain, and various Engineering Departments (e.g., Vehicle Development, Software) within Zoox.

In this role you will:

• Develop and execute production plans aligned with vehicle demand while collaborating with other relevant Zoox stakeholders. You will focus on defining and adapting production capacity, including productivity, shift definitions, and quality yield capabilities.
• Establish a culture prioritizing employee and product safety in collaboration with EHS partners.
• Implement the Operational Excellence program (Zoox Production System) and Industry 4.0 principles.
• Prepare and adhere to OPEX and CAPEX budgets, define and oversee new investments in collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering, and develop cost optimization strategies.
• Successfully introduce new products into the production line (NPI) in collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering and other Engineering teams.
• Drive product quality by implementing repeatable processes and meeting defined quality standards (Cpk).
• Ensure that IT Systems/Business Applications (MES, SC QMS) provide the required level of functionality and support for the production and drive their continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Management, or a related field.
• 20+ years of experience in managing vehicle or complex electromechanical assemblies (e.g., aircraft, robots) manufacturing.
• 5+ years of experience in a production/plant management role.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing systems and processes (MES, ERP, automation).
• Deep understanding of automotive manufacturing processes and optimization strategies.
• Experience identifying and implementing capital upgrades to manufacturing facilities.

Compensation

There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. The salary range for this position is $271,000 to $341,000. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

About Zoox

Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [e-mail] or your assigned recruiter.

A Final Note:

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.