Production Operations Manufacturing Lead – Platform 2

About Zipline

Do you want to change the world? Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our aim is to solve the world’s most urgent and complex access challenges by building, manufacturing, and operating the first instant delivery and logistics system that serves all humans equally, wherever they are. From powering Rwanda’s national blood delivery network and Ghana’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution, to providing on-demand home delivery for Walmart, to enabling healthcare providers to bring care directly to U.S. homes, we are transforming the way things move for businesses, governments, and consumers. The technology is complex, but the idea is simple: a teleportation service that delivers what you need, when you need it. Through robotics and autonomy, we are decarbonizing delivery, decreasing road congestion, reducing fossil fuel consumption and air pollution, and building a more resilient global supply chain.

About You and the Role

Do you thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where precision, reliability, and operational excellence are non-negotiable? Are you energized by leading teams, solving complex problems, and driving continuous improvement in production systems? If you’re passionate about scaling world-class operations that support groundbreaking technology, this is the role for you.

As the P2 Production Manufacturing Operations Lead, you will be responsible for the execution, optimization, and leadership of Zipline’s P2 production operations—ensuring our manufacturing lines deliver products on time, at the highest quality, and at scale. You will manage cross-functional teams, streamline workflows, and champion safety, efficiency, and quality across our production facilities. You’ll play a critical role in transitioning from prototype builds to full-rate production while continuously improving performance metrics and empowering your teams to excel.

What You’ll Do

As the P2 Production Operations Lead, you will own end-to-end production execution for all 4 of our Top Level Assembly Lines and their 12 associated feeder lines, ensuring that daily operations align with company objectives and manufacturing standards. You will lead production supervisors and technicians, interface with engineering and supply chain partners, and drive performance through data-driven decision-making and lean manufacturing principles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead day-to-day production operations, ensuring adherence to quality, delivery, safety and cost targets.
  
  
• Manage and mentor a team of production supervisors, leads, and technicians to achieve operational excellence.
  
  
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality to maintain smooth production flow and resolve issues rapidly.
  
  
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and production control systems for consistent, repeatable output.
  
  
• Lead capacity planning, production scheduling, and resource allocation to meet demand and scale efficiently.
  
  
• Track and analyze operational performance metrics (yield, throughput, labor efficiency, downtime, scrap) and implement corrective actions.
  
  
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and optimize processes.
  
  
• Champion a culture of accountability and safety— fostering proactive risk management, quick and clear communication from techs, and constant improvement mentality
  
  
• Support new product introductions by developing ramp-up plans, training programs, and feedback loops to engineering.
  
  
• Serve as the production point of contact, providing regular updates on performance, risks, and mitigation plans.
  
  

Must Have Experience / Skill Sets

• 8+ years of experience in production or operations leadership, preferably in automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments.
  
  
• Proven ability to manage complex production systems and scale operations from pilot to full-rate manufacturing, in a highly iterative and ambiguous environment
  
  
• Deep understanding of Lean manufacturing, process control, and continuous improvement
  
  
• Experience leading teams across multiple shifts or locations with a focus on performance development and engagement.
  
  
• Strong collaboration skills with engineering, supply chain, and quality to drive root-cause problem solving and process optimization.
  
  
• Excellent communication skills for reporting metrics, aligning cross-functional teams, and influencing strategic decisions.
  
  
• Proficiency in manufacturing software tools (MES, ERP, MRP) and data analytics platforms for production tracking and analysis.
  
  
• Demonstrated success leading through change in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
  
  
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, assembly documentation, and quality standards.
  
  
• Commitment to operational safety, equity, and continuous learning.
  
  

Nice to Have

• Experience scaling high-mix, low-volume or high-complexity electro-mechanical assembly operations.
  
  
• Familiarity with MES transitions or implementation projects.
  
  
• Experience supporting automation integration or digital manufacturing systems.
  
  
• Background in UAV or automotive production leadership.
  
  

What Else You Need to Know

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We value diversity and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!