Zipline · 1 day ago
Production Operations Manufacturing Lead – Platform 2
South San Francisco, California, USA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expZipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move, aiming to solve urgent access challenges through innovative logistics solutions. The P2 Production Manufacturing Operations Lead will oversee production execution, optimize operations, and lead cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality manufacturing processes and timely delivery of products.
DeliveryDronesElectric VehicleHome Health CareLogisticsRoboticsSupply Chain Management
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
Company
Zipline
Zipline designs, manufactures, and operates drones to deliver vital medical products.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Zipline has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (54)
2024 (39)
2023 (29)
2022 (20)
2021 (16)
2020 (3)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$971MKey Investors
U.S. Department of StateThe Rise FundKatalyst Ventures
2025-11-25Grant· $150M
2023-04-28Series F· $330M
2021-06-30Series E· $250M
Leadership Team
Keller Rinaudo Cliffton
Co-founder & CEO
Keenan Wyrobek
Founder, CTO and Product Architect
Recent News
felicis.com
2025-12-26
Company data provided by crunchbase