Production Operations Manufacturing Lead – Platform 2

Zipline•South San Francisco, CA 94080, US• Full Time

Posted 1 hour ago• Software

Job Description

About Zipline

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to food, medicine and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate the world’s largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably. Today, Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and has completed millions of deliveries to date, including blood, vaccines, medical supplies, food, and retail products.

Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.

Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.

We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.

About You and the Role

Do you thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where precision, reliability, and operational excellence are non-negotiable? Are you energized by leading teams, solving complex problems, and driving continuous improvement in production systems? If you’re passionate about scaling world-class operations that support groundbreaking technology, this is the role for you.

As the P2 Production Manufacturing Operations Lead, you will be responsible for the execution, optimization, and leadership of Zipline’s P2 production operations—ensuring our manufacturing lines deliver products on time, at the highest quality, and at scale. You will manage cross-functional teams, streamline workflows, and champion safety, efficiency, and quality across our production facilities. You’ll play a critical role in transitioning from prototype builds to full-rate production while continuously improving performance metrics and empowering your teams to excel.

What You’ll Do

As the P2 Production Operations Lead, you will own end-to-end production execution for all 4 of our Top Level Assembly Lines and their 12 associated feeder lines, ensuring that daily operations align with company objectives and manufacturing standards. You will lead production supervisors and technicians, interface with engineering and supply chain partners, and drive performance through data-driven decision-making and lean manufacturing principles.

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.

Must Have Experience / Skill Sets

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.

Nice to Have

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.

What Else You Need to Know

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We value diversity and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!