Director, Manufacturing Operations

Director, Manufacturing Operations Cobot Operations Santa Clara, CA, USA USD 220k-250k / year + Equity Posted on Apr 25, 2026 Apply now Location Santa Clara Employment Type Full time Location Type On-site Department Hardware Engineering Collaborative Robotics is a team of innovators and builders redefining the future of human-robot interaction. We are working to realize a world where robots are a trusted extension of your surroundings. They work, adapt, and react around you. Not the other way around. This role is located at our Santa Clara, CA headquarters.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the day-to-day manufacturing function as we transition from in-house builds to volume production with a contract manufacturer (CM). Drive smooth knowledge transfer to the CM, including documentation, tooling, and test systems. Monitor CM performance against quality, yield, and throughput KPIs; escalate and drive corrective actions when issues arise. Conduct DFM/A reviews with engineering teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective. Own pilot builds and early production runs, ensuring process validation and readiness for volume ramp. Implement and improve core manufacturing processes, quality systems, and reporting tools. Build and manage a small but growing manufacturing engineering team focused on NPI Travel to contract manufacturer and vendor facilities to support builds and delivery.

Minimum Qualifications:

10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or operations, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role. Hands-on experience transitioning products to contract manufacturers and scaling production. Strong technical foundation in manufacturing process development, DFM/A, and quality systems. Proven ability to manage builds, resolve production issues, and lead cross-functional collaboration with design, test, and supply chain. Demonstrated success building and mentoring technical teams. Highly motivated teammate with excellent oral and written communication skills. Enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic start-up environment as part of a small team. Willing to occasionally travel. Must have and maintain US work authorization.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with MES, SPC, or similar production tracking systems. Background in robotics or complex electromechanical hardware. Familiarity with regulatory requirements and certifications (CE, UL, ISO9001, ISO13485). Demonstrated ability to drive cost, yield, and quality improvements in manufacturing. Advanced degree in engineering, operations, or related field. The base salary range for this position is $220,000 - $250,000 plus equity and comprehensive benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role and experience level. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position in the noted geographic area. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Cobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

To all recruitment agencies:

Collaborative Robotics does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our employees. Collaborative Robotics is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. Apply now See more open positions at Cobot