Scale-Up Manufacturing Automation Leader

Skydio; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 196,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

Skydio is seeking a Head of Manufacturing Engineering to lead the development and scale‑up of manufacturing systems for high‑volume small unmanned aircraft production. This role owns the engineering org, translating product designs into automated, production‑ready systems with scale in mind.

The candidate will drive factory automation, controls engineering, equipment development, and manufacturing systems architecture while partnering with Design, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure

Qualifications

• 12+ years in manufacturing engineering or related fields.
• 5+ years leading manufacturing systems or factory automation.
• Experience scaling complex electromechanical products into high‑volume production.
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, robotics, or similar high‑end manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of automation, controls, data, equipment design, and process engineering.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high‑performing Manufacturing Engineering organization for new product introduction through high‑volume manufacture.
• Define strategy, roadmap, and capabilities to support production growth.
• Partner with Design, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Product teams to ensure manufacturability and scale.
• Lead automated equipment development, controls, and production systems lifecycle management.
• Develop and enforce manufacturing standards, FAT/SAT, and production readiness.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Automation engineering

Controls engineering

Equipment engineering

DFM/DFA

Capex planning

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field

Tools

PLC

Robotics

Machine vision

SCADA/HMI

MES

Job description

Skydio is seeking a Head of Manufacturing Engineering to lead the development and scale‑up of manufacturing systems for high‑volume small unmanned aircraft production. This role owns the engineering org, translating product designs into automated, production‑ready systems with scale in mind.

The candidate will drive factory automation, controls engineering, equipment development, and manufacturing systems architecture while partnering with Design, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure