Factory Planning and Expansion Lead

Skydio; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation time

Health insurance

401(k) savings plan

Job summary

Skydio is looking for a Factory Planning & Expansion Lead based in Hayward, California, to drive the planning and design of new manufacturing facilities. This role involves leading complex factory design projects from start to finish, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years of industrial construction experience, strong construction project management skills, and a background in factory automation. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in industrial construction or capital projects.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale manufacturing facilities.
• Experience with factory automation or advanced manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, large-scale factory design from concept through commissioning.
• Oversee commissioning of facilities, ensuring readiness for manufacturing operations.
• Support all phases of factory expansion projects including site selection.

Skills

Construction project management

Industrial building systems

Capital projects

Factory automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Job description

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best‑in‑class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Factory Planning & Expansion Lead to drive the end‑to‑end planning, factory layout, and support construction of new manufacturing facilities and expansions of existing sites. This role is heavily focused on factory design, layouts, and space planning requiring deep expertise in capital projects, site development, contractor management, and industrial building systems.

You will lead complex, large‑scale factory design from concept through commissioning, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to operational requirements.

How You'll Make An Impact

Factory Expansion & Construction Leadership

• Support all phases of factory expansion projects, including site selection support, feasibility, design coordination, construction, and commissioning.
• Serve as the owner’s representative for all construction activities, ensuring alignment with business and production goals.
• Develop and manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and capital expenditure plans related to factory equipment and facility requirements.

Construction Management

• Support general contractors, subcontractors, architects, and engineering firms.
• Support construction execution, including site development, civil works, structural, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and utilities infrastructure.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor progress, quality, and safety compliance.

Design & Planning Integration

• Collaborate with manufacturing, process engineering, and operations teams to translate production needs into facility requirements.
• Ensure factory layouts, workflows, and utilities are integrated into construction plans.
• Review and approve design drawings, specifications, and construction documents.

Project Delivery & Controls

• Implement strong project governance, including risk management, cost control, and schedule tracking.
• Identify and mitigate construction risks, delays, and cost overruns.

Commissioning & Handover

• Oversee commissioning of facilities, ensuring readiness for manufacturing operations.
• Drive punch list completion, final inspections, and occupancy approvals.
• Ensure smooth transition from construction to operations.

What Makes You a Strong Fit

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in industrial construction or capital projects, with significant exposure to aerospace or high‑spec manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record delivering large‑scale manufacturing facilities, hangars, or precision production spaces.
• Strong expertise in construction project management, contracts, and site execution.
• Deep understanding of industrial building systems (MEP, utilities, clean rooms, etc. as applicable).
• Experience working in fast‑paced, high‑growth manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Previous industrial experience, mechanical & infrastructure intense projects.
• Experience with factory automation or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with lean factory design or production flow optimization.
• Experience with sustainability, energy systems, or green building standards (LEED, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of industrial factory design, MEP systems, and site development.

Compensation

At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full‑time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $147,000 - $210,000*.

Regular, full‑time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans and receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay, and a 401(k) savings plan. All benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

• Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.

At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local anti‑discrimination laws.

For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.