Robotics Head of Production at Cleo Robotics in Boston, MA

Full-time, exempt

Boston, Massachusetts

On-site, five days per week

Reports to the CEO

ABOUT US

Cleo Robotics builds unconventional autonomous robotic systems designed to operate in the world’s most challenging and inaccessible environments. Our mission is to deploy intelligent machines into critical environments to improve operational efficiency, reduce unplanned downtime, and keep people out of harm’s way. Our technology is used across industries including energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, public safety, and defense. We’re a growing team of experts in robotics and autonomous systems with diverse backgrounds and skills. We value making an impact, thinking big, leading with empathy, and having fun along the way.

If you get excited about solving big problems and building robots straight from science fiction, and you thrive in a fast-paced environment, this role might be for you!

ABOUT THE ROLE

Cleo Robotics is seeking a Head of Production to build our production function from the ground up. This is a foundational, first-of-its-kind role responsible for transforming our current small batch builds into scalable production.

You will begin as a hands-on builder, working directly on assembly while owning production strategy, supplier development, and team building.You will own production end-to-end — from first build to scaled manufacturing — including output, quality, cost, and delivery.

In the early stages, you will spend a significant portion of your time personally executing core production work (assembly, testing, inventory, fulfillment), while simultaneously designing the systems, infrastructure, and processes that will enable scale.

As production grows, you will transition from being the primary builder to hiring and leading a production team — shifting your focus toward oversight, process optimization, and team leadership, while remaining close enough to the hardware to guide builds, train team members, and uphold quality standards.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Product Build

• Initially act as the primary individual contributor responsible for building and validating systems, while establishing the standards that future team members will follow
• Assemble full drone systems and subassemblies with high precision and repeatability
• Perform soldering, wiring, integration, calibration, and system bring-up
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair hardware systems
• Support prototype builds and engineering iterations
• Establish “gold standard” builds for future production replication
• Ensure every system shipped meets performance and reliability standards

Production Build-Out & Scale-Up

• Design and implement the production function from scratch
• Define and implement the end-to-end production workflow (build → test → ship)
• Design production floor layout, tooling, and workstations
• Establish assembly line processes and throughput models
• Create scalable systems for:
• • Work instructions
    • Quality control checkpoints
    • Build tracking and traceability
• Transition from prototype builds → low-rate production → scalable manufacturing
• Introduce and implement lean manufacturing principles

Documentation & Process Infrastructure

• Turn tribal knowledge into scalable systems
• Create and maintain:
• • Assembly guides
    • Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
    • Test and calibration protocols
• Implement version control for production documentation
• Ensure processes are clear, repeatable, and transferable to new hires

Quality Systems & Reliability

• Ensure production quality scales with the business
• Define and enforce quality control standards and testing procedures
• Build inspection, validation, and failure analysis processes
• Track production metrics (yield, defects, rework rates)
• Implement continuous improvement loops
• Partner with engineering to improve reliability and manufacturability

Production Planning & Execution

• Own delivery timelines and output
• Build and manage production schedules
• Align builds with customer demand and internal priorities
• Identify bottlenecks and proactively resolve them
• Ensure on-time delivery of production units
• Drive throughput, yield, and cost efficiency
• Track and improve key production metrics

Inventory, Fulfillment & Operations

• Build the operational backbone of production
• Own inventory management systems
• Own demand planning and material forecasting
• Manage receiving, storage, and part traceability
• Oversee shipping, logistics, and fulfillment operations
• Ensure production readiness at all times (tools, materials, workspace)

Vendor & Supply Chain Management

• Own supplier relationships and hardware sourcing strategy
• Identify, onboard, and manage suppliers and contract manufacturers
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supply agreements
• Ensure component quality, reliability, and availability
• Develop redundancy and risk mitigation strategies in the supply chain
• Manage inbound logistics and supplier performance
• Collaborate with engineering on design-for-manufacturing (DFM) decisions

Team Building & Leadership

• Own the transition of day-to-day build execution to the team you hire, while maintaining accountability for output, quality, and delivery
• Hire and train production technicians and specialists
• Define roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
• Build a culture of quality, ownership, and craftsmanship
• Act as the bridge between engineering and operations

WHAT YOU BRING

• 7+ years of experience in hardware production, manufacturing, or complex system assembly
• Experience in 0→1 or early-stage production environments (robotics, drones, aerospace, hardware startups)
• Strong hands-on builder with the ability to assemble and troubleshoot systems directly
• Equally comfortable at the workbench and at the system level
• Advanced experience with:
• • Electronics assembly, soldering, wiring, PCBs
    • Mechanical assembly and integration
• Strong understanding of:
• • Production workflows
    • Supply chain and vendor management
    • Inventory systems and logistics
• Experience implementing:
• • Manufacturing processes
    • Quality systems
    • Production scaling strategies

BONUS POINTS

• Experience scaling production from prototype → manufacturing
• Background in drones, robotics, aerospace, or defense hardware
• You don’t want to inherit a production system, you want to build it

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to build autonomy that moves beyond simulation and operates on real robots in challenging, mission-critical environments
• Meaningful ownership of a core product capability, with the ability to influence Cleo’s autonomy architecture, technical direction, and roadmap
• A high-impact role on a small, talented team where your ideas can move rapidly from development to real-world deployment
• The opportunity to expand your technical scope, take on greater ownership, and grow alongside the company
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Equity for every new hire, giving everyone the opportunity to share in Cleo’s growth
• Flexible paid time off and company holidays
• A collaborative, energetic workplace with a fully stocked kitchen and regular team gatherings