Manager, Engineering Operations

Brain Corp; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 126,536 - 154,655; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Stock options

401(k) with match

Comprehensive insurance (medical, with

Dental, vision, life and disability

EAP

HSA with employer contribution

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Brain Corp in San Diego, CA, seeks an Engineering Manager to lead the Engineering Operations team, overseeing R&D support, prototyping, low-rate production, on-site testing fleet, OEM production stand-up and repair lab activities.

The role drives continuous improvement through Lean/Six Sigma, builds strong internal and external partnerships, and reports on milestones, results, and resource use. A leadership track record and customer-centric mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in operations engineering or related field with leadership role.
• Experience in manufacturing or robotics industry preferred.
• Experience identifying process gaps and implementing improvements.
• Experience coordinating with external manufacturing partners on launches.
• Strong leadership and ability to inspire teams.
• Customer-centric approach with focus on performance improvements.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direct supervision of the engineering operations team, including engineering technicians and project engineers delivering R&D support, prototyping, production, and repair labs.
• Mentor, coach and develop a high-performing team with effective cross-functional communication.
• Promote value stream mapping, CI techniques and skill development.
• Collaborate with R&D, product, sales, and support to align operations with company goals.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma.
• Establish reporting of key metrics: milestones, R&D and OEM support results, resource allocation.
• Manage budgets and resources to ensure on-time, on-budget project delivery.
• Oversee production operations at OEM facilities and optimize production systems.
• Lead technical support projects with plans, timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Ensure processes are efficient, with adoption of best practices across the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

PMP certification

Lean Six Sigma certification

Job description

Brain Corp is a San Diego, California, USA-based AI company creating transformative core technology for the robotics industry. Our purpose is to create autonomous technology that helps the real world work better. Brain's robotic and AI solutions help retailers ensure that the right product is on the right shelf at the right price, in a clean environment. Through the BrainOS® Robotics Platform, which powers the largest global fleet of the Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in operation in commercial public spaces, Brain Corp delivers insightful and efficient automated solutions in both commercial floor cleaning and inventory management, empowering organizations and their employees to achieve more. Brain Corp currently powers more than 30,000 AMRs, representing the largest fleet of its kind in the world. Brain Corp is funded by the SoftBank Vision Fund, Clearbridge, and Qualcomm Ventures.

Position Overview

As a key leader of the Engineering Operations department, the Engineering Manager will lead a team of engineering technicians and project engineers while also managing R&D, Quality Assurance and Test, and Production and Repair labs. This role is crucial for establishing collaborative relationships with external manufacturing partners and suppliers as well as driving strategic initiatives across the organization.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide leadership and direct supervision of the engineering operations team, including engineering technicians and project engineers delivering R&D support, prototyping, low rate production, on‑site testing fleet maintenance, OEM production stand‑up and support functions, driving accountability at all levels.
• Mentor, coach and develop a collaborative and high‑performing team environment, ensuring effective communication and coordination across all functions.
• Promote use of value stream mapping, continuous improvement techniques and skill set development.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including R&D, product development, sales, and customer support, to align operational objectives with overall company goals.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Establish and provide reporting of key engineering operations metrics, such as project milestones, R&D support results, OEM support results and resource allocation efficiency.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Engineering Operations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Oversee support for production operations at OEM facilities by leading teams that proactively identify and resolve technical issues, ensuring seamless manufacturing processes and continuous operational improvement.
• Lead development and optimization of production systems and processes, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving overall productivity.
• Lead technical support projects, including developing project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Oversee daily operations by strategically identifying and resolving operational challenges, spearheading the development and implementation of efficient processes and procedures, and promoting the adoption of best practices across the organization to enhance overall productivity and performance.
• Ensure manufacturing processes are efficient, effective, and provide value to the organization.
• Oversee R&D, Quality Assurance and Test, and Repair labs to ensure that each team’s functional needs are met.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations engineering or related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or robotics industry preferred.
• Experience identifying process gaps, engaging stakeholders to develop improved reliable processes, and implementing through sustained performance.
• Experience collaborating with external manufacturing partners and suppliers on new product launches to achieve aligned deliverables on‑time in a manner that strengthens partnerships.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to inspire, develop, and lead teams to achieve outstanding results.
• Demonstrated experience using a customer‑centric approach and driving key performance improvements.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and equipment, including automation and robotics.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven track record in delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex technical issues.
• Experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, LSSBB certification preferred.
• Professional certifications in operations engineering or project management, such as PMP, are preferred.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of the organization and external partners.
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams of engineers and technicians.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability, with a focus on achieving and maintaining high standards of performance.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support production operations at OEM facilities.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for periods of time; operating a computer and keyboard; use of hands to finger and grasp; talk and hear at normal room levels; visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures; push or pull up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Employees are exposed to the typical office environment with computers, printers and telephones.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $126,536 to $154,655. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Brain Corp is a multi‑state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

In addition to base pay, our competitive total rewards package consists of:

• A discretionary annual target bonus.
• Stock options.
• 401(k) plan with match (no waiting period and immediate vesting).
• Comprehensive suite of insurance benefits for employees (and their families) to include a variety of medical plan options (including an HSA with employer contribution), dental, vision, life and disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Legal/Identity support plans, pet insurance.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care).
• Generous paid time off including flexible vacation, Paid Sick Leave, time off for volunteering in the community, 10 paid company holidays, and a winter company shutdown.

Additional Perks

• Daily on‑site lunch available in the San Diego office.
• On‑campus gym including pool and tennis courts in the San Diego office.
• Opportunities to connect with colleagues including monthly game nights, hikes, wellness challenges, and community events.
• Internal continuous learning events.
• Opportunities to share your own interests and hobbies with the Company.