US Manufacturing VP

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Harmattan AI’s U.S. manufacturing strategy in close alignment with the Head of Manufacturing & SCM, establishing a scalable and resilient industrial footprint to support rapid growth.
• Structure and manage manufacturing partnerships and production capabilities in the United States, ensuring reliable, high-quality output.
• Contribute to the progressive development of Harmattan AI’s long-term industrial capabilities in the U.S. as the company scales.
• Ensure alignment between U.S. manufacturing execution and Harmattan AI’s global industrial strategy.
• Direct the setup and operation of production capabilities in the United States, ensuring consistent quality standards and on-time delivery.
• Oversee manufacturing execution and optimize production processes to meet scaling demands in dynamic, high-pressure environments.
• Monitor and improve key manufacturing performance indicators such as throughput, yield, production cost, and quality.
• Ensure the successful transition from engineering prototypes to scalable industrial production.
• Develop and maintain relationships with U.S.-based manufacturing partners, suppliers, and industrial stakeholders.
• Cook up with global supply chain teams to ensure alignment with Harmattan AI’s procurement and sourcing strategies.
• Manage production planning, logistics, and inventory flows to ensure reliable product delivery.
• Contribute to building a resilient and scalable U.S. industrial ecosystem supporting production activities.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and boost operational efficiency by implementing best practices in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equivalent methodologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, increase throughput, and enhance overall product quality.
• Implement structured processes to improve manufacturing reliability and operational performance.
• Serve as a key liaison between Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance for manufacturing-related activities in the United States.
• Partner with R&D teams to ensure manufacturability and industrial scalability of new systems.
• Support engineering teams in adapting designs for efficient and reliable large-scale production.
• Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with relevant safety, regulatory, and quality standards (ISO, AS9100, or other defense-related certifications).
• Maintain robust risk management processes, proactively identifying and mitigating potential production or supply chain issues.
• Support compliance with U.S. defense and industrial regulatory frameworks where applicable.
• Build and lead the U.S. manufacturing organization as Harmattan AI expands its operations in the region.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor high-performing teams.
• Set clear objectives, manage performance, and foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Support Harmattan AI’s expansion in the U.S. by ensuring manufacturing capabilities scale with commercial and operational demand.
• Contribute to the development of strategic industrial partnerships and production capabilities in the region.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure manufacturing readiness for future programs and product lines.

Requirements

• A strong academic record in a technical field such as Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 7–10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership, including significant experience implementing medium- to large-scale production across multiple sites.
• Demonstrated success working under strict time and budget constraints, preferably in robotics, aerospace, defense, or similarly complex sectors.
• Comfortable working with advanced robotics, AI, and other emerging technologies, with the ability to learn and apply sophisticated engineering concepts.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver on challenging objectives under tight deadlines and high stakes.
• Adaptability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments; exhibits a “no-task-is-too-small” mentality while driving large-scale strategic initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of influencing a wide range of stakeholders—from production-line personnel to senior executives.
• Experience working across diverse geographies and cultures, demonstrating the ability to adapt manufacturing processes to different regulatory and operational contexts.
• 100% dedication to Harmattan AI’s mission, vision, and ambitious growth trajectory, with a willingness to put in extra effort to achieve breakthrough results.