Head of Hardware Manufacturing Operations
Core
Leading a 0 to 1 hardware manufacturing operations department to deliver physical AI hardware products across automotive, defense, and other industries.
Role type
Head of Hardware Manufacturing Operations (0-1 build)
Builds
Physical AI hardware products for automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture
Domain
Hardware manufacturing, supply chain, physical AI
Deliverable
production ML models
Required skills
Hardware operations, supply chain management, team leadership (OPMs, MEs, Quality Engineers), NPI, DFx, contract manufacturing management, PCBA, final assembly, yield optimization, global supplier management, BOM costing, vendor audits, quality control systems (ISO 9001/IATF 16949)
Preferred skills
0 to 1 product shipping, dual-use/defense compliance, global tier-1 supplier experience
Technologies
PCBA, FATE/ATE, ISO 9001, IATF 16949
Responsibilities
Own and build the hardware manufacturing operations function from 0 to 1; Select and manage domestic and international manufacturing suppliers; Recruit and lead a multidisciplinary team of Operations Program Managers, Manufacturing Engineers, and Reliability/Quality Engineers; Drive NPI, DFx, quality assurance, and mass production setups; Manage global supplier selection, yield optimization, contract negotiation, and factory audit processes
Seniority
Executive, 0-1 build
