Head of Production

Who we are: 

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America’s drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment. 

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We’re hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years. 

What you will be doing: 

Are you ready to lead end-to-end production operations in a complex, high-standards environment. The Head of Production will oversee manufacturing processes, supply chain coordination, quality assurance, and related cross-functional teams. The individual should have a strong background in advanced manufacturing environments and be adept at managing outsourced elements of production. The role demands strong communication skills to interface with executive leadership and the ability to build and develop a high-performing team. 
 
Responsibilities: 

• Production Strategy & Planning:  
  • Develop and execute comprehensive production plans aligned with organizational objectives, including capacity planning, resource allocation, and cost management. 
  • Ensure production meets on-time delivery, quality, and cost targets.  

• Cross-Functional Leadership:  
  • Lead and manage cross-functional teams spanning manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and engineering. 
  • Collaborate closely with vendors, procurement, logistics, and R&D to ensure seamless integration of production processes.  

• Quality & Compliance:  
  • Enforce quality standards and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to drive product reliability and compliance with industry regulations. 
  • Implement and refine quality management systems to meet certifications and regulatory requirements common in aerospace or automotive sectors.  

• Supply Chain Integration & Outsourcing Management:  
  • Oversee vendor relationships and outsourced production activities, ensuring supplier performance aligns with internal standards. 
  • Negotiate supplier contracts and manage inventory, lead times, and cost structure to optimize supply chain efficiency and resilience.  

• Team Building & Management:  
  • Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-caliber production team, including managers and frontline staff. 
  • Define roles, responsibilities, and KPIs for team members to ensure accountability and transparency in performance expectations.  

• Process Improvement & Advanced Manufacturing Techniques:  
  • Identify and implement advanced manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, and process optimizations to improve throughput, quality, and cost-effectiveness. 
  • Utilize data-driven decision-making to refine production workflows and enhance operational excellence.  

• Executive Communication & Reporting:  
  • Present production metrics, progress updates, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
  • Communicate complex operational information clearly and concisely to influence decision-making at the senior level.  

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.  
• 10+ years of experience in production management, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. 
• Proven track record in advanced manufacturing environments (e.g., aerospace, automotive), including familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements. 
• Demonstrated success in managing a cross-functional team and outsourced production components. 
• Strong background in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to report clearly and credibly to executives. 
• Strategic mindset paired with hands-on operational experience and strong analytical capabilities. 
• This role card encapsulates common industry expectations, enabling organizations to refine as needed based on their specific context and strategic priorities. 

US Salary Range

$150,000 - $250,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.