Manufacturing Operations Manager
About The Position
At Pickle Robot, we're on a mission to automate global supply chains with Physical AI. Our robots work alongside warehouse teams to unload trucks and containers — one of the toughest, most understaffed jobs in logistics — making the work safer, faster, and more efficient for the people doing it. Loading trucks comes next, followed by the Dill Autonomy Engine: generalized autonomy that will eventually orchestrate robots across entire logistics processes. We're looking for a hands-on Manufacturing Operations Manager to run production of our robotic systems and own our MES (Manufacturing Execution System) implementation — ideally with Tulip. You'll be on the floor daily, understand the build process for complex robotic hardware, and directly configure and deploy digital workflows that replace paper-based processes, giving the business real-time production visibility.
Requirements
- 5+ years in manufacturing operations, ideally within robotics, complex electro-mechanical assembly, or similar high-mix/precision hardware manufacturing
- Demonstrated experience implementing an MES system from the ground up — not just using one already in place. Tulip experience strongly preferred; will consider comparable platforms
- Comfortable being on the floor daily — not a desk-only role
- Understanding of OEE, first-pass yield, downtime tracking, and how to translate shop-floor data into actionable improvement
- Strong people leadership skills, including experience managing technicians/assemblers
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
Nice To Haves
- Lean/Six Sigma certification
Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day operations for production/assembly of robotic systems (arms, cabinets, end effectors, and related subassemblies)
- Understand mechanical assembly, wiring/harnessing, electro-mechanical integration, and functional test steps well enough to troubleshoot directly with technicians
- Lead root cause analysis on build defects, quality escapes, and process deviations
- Own production scheduling, capacity planning, and staffing for your area
- Drive continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) across assembly lines and test stations
- Partner with mechanical/electrical/manufacturing engineering on new product introductions (NPI), ensuring assembly processes and MES workflows are designed in from the start
- Manage and develop a team of technicians/assemblers, including performance reviews and coaching
- Lead the implementation, configuration, and rollout of MES software
- Build and maintain digital work instructions, operator apps, and andon/alert workflows, and data collection stations within the MES platform
- Integrate MES with test equipment, torque tools, scanners, and fixtures to capture real-time production data (cycle time, first-pass yield, scrap, downtime reasons)
- Train assemblers, technicians, and supervisors on new digital workflows; drive adoption and resolve resistance to change
- Build dashboards and reporting from MES data to give leadership visibility into production performance and traceability (especially serialized component/subassembly tracking)
Benefits
- health, dental, and vision insurance
- unlimited vacation
- paid federal and state holidays
- 401(k) contributions of 5% of your salary
- company-covered travel expenses
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
