Director, NPI Operations Engineering

The role

The NPI Operations Engineering leader builds and leads the team responsible for making next generation autonomous robotics, including drones, docks and accessories. You will own the manufacturability of every new product and lead the team through EVT, DVT and PVT stages.

What you will do

• Own the operations engineering development for NPI programs across supply chain and in-house manufacturing
• Drive design-for-manufacturing, assembly and serviceability input from early architecture onward
• Set and commit to assembly time and assembly yield targets for each new product
• Own operations sign-off at product development gates
• Identify manufacturing risks early and drive mitigation plans
• Own the manufacturing plan for new products from prototype through PVT
• Define assembly flow, line layout, fixtures and equipment
• Develop and continuously improve Skydio's NPI process
• Transfer products to Process Engineering with complete documentation
• Lead, hire and develop a team of manufacturing design engineers and supply base engineers

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering, NPI or production engineering for complex electromechanical products
• 4+ years leading engineering teams, including hiring and developing engineers
• Track record of taking multiple complex hardware products from early development into high-quality production
• Deep expertise in DFM/DFA
• Hands-on fixture design experience
• Strong understanding of factory lines, assembly flow and how to optimize them
• SPC, Lean and Six Sigma experience
• Experience working with suppliers on part qualification, process capability and production readiness
• Strong data skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong project management, analytical skills and attention to detail

Nice to have

• Experience with drones, aerospace, robotics, autonomous systems or consumer electronics
• Experience developing waterproofing and ingress-protection solutions (IP-rated products), conformal coating, sealing or adhesive processes
• Experience with PCBAs, cameras and optics, gimbals, inertial sensors, motors, batteries or composite structures
• Experience working with contract manufacturers or managing NPI across in-house and outsourced production

Benefits

• Competitive base salaries
• Equity in the form of stock options
• Comprehensive benefits packages
• Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles
• Group health insurance plans
• Paid vacation time
• Sick leave
• Holiday pay
• 401K savings plan

Before you apply

• Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged and required for certain positions

About the company

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight. The team combines expertise in artificial intelligence, hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession.