Manager, Engineering Operations at Brain Corp – San Diego, CA

NEXT Ai PRESS; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Brain Corp is seeking a Manager of Engineering Operations in San Diego, CA to lead a team of technicians and project engineers supporting R&D, prototyping, low-rate production, and on-site testing fleets. You will partner with external manufacturing partners to drive production readiness and continuous improvement.

The role emphasizes Lean Six Sigma, strong leadership, and accountability for milestones, budget, and supplier collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in operations engineering or related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in manufacturing or robotics industry.
• Experience identifying process gaps and implementing improved reliable processes.
• Experience collaborating with external manufacturing partners and suppliers on new product launches.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direct supervision of the engineering operations team (technicians and project engineers).
• Mentor, coach, and develop the team with value stream mapping and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align operational objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma.
• Establish and report on engineering operations metrics (milestones, resource allocation).
• Manage budgets and resources to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Oversee production operations at OEM facilities and resolve technical issues.
• Lead development and optimization of production systems and processes.
• Lead technical support projects with planning, timelines and resources.
• Oversee daily operations and implement efficient processes.
• Oversee R&D, QA&T, and Repair labs to meet functional needs.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Robotics

Stakeholder mgmt

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Job description

Manager, Engineering Operations at Brain Corp – San Diego, CA

The Engineering Manager will lead a team of engineering technicians and project engineers, managing R&D, Quality Assurance and Test, and Production and Repair labs. The role involves establishing relationships with external manufacturing partners and suppliers, driving strategic initiatives, and overseeing production operations at OEM facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direct supervision of the engineering operations team (technicians and project engineers) for R&D support, prototyping, low rate production, on-site testing fleet maintenance, and OEM production stand-up.
• Mentor, coach, and develop the team, promoting value stream mapping, continuous improvement, and skill set development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, product development, sales, customer support) to align operational objectives.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Establish and report on key engineering operations metrics such as project milestones and resource allocation efficiency.
• Manage budgets and resources to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Oversee support for production operations at OEM facilities, leading teams to resolve technical issues and ensure seamless manufacturing.
• Lead development and optimization of production systems and processes.
• Lead technical support projects, including developing project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Oversee daily operations, resolving operational challenges and implementing efficient processes.
• Oversee R&D, Quality Assurance and Test, and Repair labs to ensure functional needs are met.

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.
• 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.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Demonstrated experience using a customer-centric approach and driving key performance improvements.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and equipment, including automation and robotics.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Proven track record in delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex technical issues.
• Experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• 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.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support production operations at OEM facilities.

Nice to Have

• LSSBB certification is preferred.
• Professional certifications in operations engineering or project management, such as PMP, is preferred.

About the Company

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.Named a top workplace by the San Diego Union Tribune and USA today in 2025, we make life-changing impacts through innovation, helping workers globally unlock their abilities in orchestration with intelligent machines.