Head of Global Hardware Manufacturing Operations (0→1)

Applied Intuition; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 260,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition, Inc. is seeking a Head of Hardware Manufacturing Operations to lead a 0 to 1 effort, building out the hardware operations function and scaling to mass production across automotive, trucking, defense, and more.

You will recruit and lead a multidisciplinary team of OPMs, MEs, and Reliability/QA Engineers to deliver on committed hardware deliverables globally. You will own supplier strategy, DFx, yield optimization, and factory audits, while navigating international manufacturing

Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical field.
• 12+ years of experience in hardware operations and supply chain management
• 7+ years of direct experience building and leading engineering and operations teams (OPMs, MEs, Quality/Reliability Engineers)
• Experience managing consumer electronics manufacturing alongside automotive, trucking, defense, construction, mining, or agriculture
• Deep technical expertise in contract manufacturing management, PCBA, final assembly, test execution (FATE/ATE), and yield optimization
• Hands-on proficiency managing global supplier pipelines, BOM costing, vendor audits, and quality control systems (ISO 9001/IATF 16949)

Responsibilities

• Own the full hardware manufacturing operations function and build out the department from 0 to 1
• Select, manage, and drive domestic and international manufacturing suppliers and global supply chains
• Build and lead a high-performing team of Operations Program Managers, Manufacturing Engineers, and Reliability/Quality Engineers
• Drive NPI, DFx, quality assurance, and mass production setups for physical AI hardware across diverse industries
• Oversee committed hardware product deliverables across automotive, trucking, defense, construction, mining, and agriculture verticals
• Manage global supplier selection, yield optimization, contract negotiation, and factory audit processes

Skills

Hardware operations experience

Supply chain management

Leadership of engineering operations

Contract manufacturing management

PCBA/DFx/QA

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Engineering or SCM

Tools

ISO 9001/IATF 16949 quality systems

Job description

Applied Intuition, Inc. is seeking a Head of Hardware Manufacturing Operations to lead a 0 to 1 effort, building out the hardware operations function and scaling to mass production across automotive, trucking, defense, and more.

You will recruit and lead a multidisciplinary team of OPMs, MEs, and Reliability/QA Engineers to deliver on committed hardware deliverables globally. You will own supplier strategy, DFx, yield optimization, and factory audits, while navigating international manufacturing