Robotics Head of Production

Full-time, exempt Boston, Massachusetts On-site, five days per week Reports to the CEO About Us Cleo Robotics builds unconventional autonomous robotic systems designed to operate in the world’s most challenging and inaccessible environments. Our mission is to deploy intelligent machines into critical environments to improve operational efficiency, reduce unplanned downtime, and keep people out of harm’s way. Our technology is used across industries including energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, public safety, and defense. We’re a growing team of experts in robotics and autonomous systems with diverse backgrounds and skills. We value making an impact, thinking big, leading with empathy, and having fun along the way. If you get excited about solving big problems and building robots straight from science fiction, and you thrive in a fast-paced environment, this role might be for you! About The Role Cleo Robotics is seeking a Head of Production to build our production function from the ground up. This is a foundational, first-of-its-kind role responsible for transforming our current small batch builds into scalable production. You will begin as a hands-on builder, working directly on assembly while owning production strategy, supplier development, and team building.You will own production end-to-end — from first build to scaled manufacturing — including output, quality, cost, and delivery. In the early stages, you will spend a significant portion of your time personally executing core production work (assembly, testing, inventory, fulfillment), while simultaneously designing the systems, infrastructure, and processes that will enable scale. As production grows, you will transition from being the primary builder to hiring and leading a production team — shifting your focus toward oversight, process optimization, and team leadership, while remaining close enough to the hardware to guide builds, train team members, and uphold quality standards. What You’ll Do Product Build Initially act as the primary individual contributor responsible for building and validating systems, while establishing the standards that future team members will followAssemble full drone systems and subassemblies with high precision and repeatabilityPerform soldering, wiring, integration, calibration, and system bring-upDiagnose, troubleshoot, and repair hardware systemsSupport prototype builds and engineering iterationsEstablish “gold standard” builds for future production replicationEnsure every system shipped meets performance and reliability standards Production Build-Out & Scale-Up Design and implement the production function from scratchDefine and implement the end-to-end production workflow (build → test → ship)Design production floor layout, tooling, and workstationsEstablish assembly line processes and throughput modelsCreate scalable systems for:Work instructionsQuality control checkpointsBuild tracking and traceabilityTransition from prototype builds → low-rate production → scalable manufacturingIntroduce and implement lean manufacturing principles Documentation & Process Infrastructure Turn tribal knowledge into scalable systemsCreate and maintain:Assembly guidesStandard operating procedures (SOPs)Test and calibration protocolsImplement version control for production documentationEnsure processes are clear, repeatable, and transferable to new hires Quality Systems & Reliability Ensure production quality scales with the businessDefine and enforce quality control standards and testing proceduresBuild inspection, validation, and failure analysis processesTrack production metrics (yield, defects, rework rates)Implement continuous improvement loopsPartner with engineering to improve reliability and manufacturability Production Planning & Execution Own delivery timelines and outputBuild and manage production schedulesAlign builds with customer demand and internal prioritiesIdentify bottlenecks and proactively resolve themEnsure on-time delivery of production unitsDrive throughput, yield, and cost efficiencyTrack and improve key production metrics Inventory, Fulfillment & Operations Build the operational backbone of productionOwn inventory management systems Own demand planning and material forecastingManage receiving, storage, and part traceabilityOversee shipping, logistics, and fulfillment operationsEnsure production readiness at all times (tools, materials, workspace) Vendor & Supply Chain Management Own supplier relationships and hardware sourcing strategyIdentify, onboard, and manage suppliers and contract manufacturersNegotiate pricing, lead times, and supply agreementsEnsure component quality, reliability, and availabilityDevelop redundancy and risk mitigation strategies in the supply chainManage inbound logistics and supplier performanceCollaborate with engineering on design-for-manufacturing (DFM) decisions Team Building & Leadership Own the transition of day-to-day build execution to the team you hire, while maintaining accountability for output, quality, and delivery Hire and train production technicians and specialistsDefine roles, responsibilities, and performance expectationsBuild a culture of quality, ownership, and craftsmanshipAct as the bridge between engineering and operations What You Bring 7+ years of experience in hardware production, manufacturing, or complex system assemblyExperience in 0→1 or early-stage production environments (robotics, drones, aerospace, hardware startups)Strong hands-on builder with the ability to assemble and troubleshoot systems directlyEqually comfortable at the workbench and at the system levelAdvanced experience with:Electronics assembly, soldering, wiring, PCBsMechanical assembly and integrationStrong understanding of:Production workflowsSupply chain and vendor managementInventory systems and logisticsExperience implementing:Manufacturing processesQuality systemsProduction scaling strategies BONUS POINTS Experience scaling production from prototype → manufacturingBackground in drones, robotics, aerospace, or defense hardwareYou don’t want to inherit a production system, you want to build it What We Offer The opportunity to build autonomy that moves beyond simulation and operates on real robots in challenging, mission-critical environmentsMeaningful ownership of a core product capability, with the ability to influence Cleo’s autonomy architecture, technical direction, and roadmapA high-impact role on a small, talented team where your ideas can move rapidly from development to real-world deploymentThe opportunity to expand your technical scope, take on greater ownership, and grow alongside the companyCompetitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insuranceEquity for every new hire, giving everyone the opportunity to share in Cleo’s growthFlexible paid time off and company holidaysA collaborative, energetic workplace with a fully stocked kitchen and regular team gatherings