About this Manufacturing Operations Manager role at Picklerobot
About Us
At Pickle Robot, we're on a mission to automate global supply chains with Physical AI. Our robots work alongside warehouse teams to unload trucks and containers — one of the toughest, most understaffed jobs in logistics — making the work safer, faster, and more efficient for the people doing it. Loading trucks comes next, followed by the Dill Autonomy Engine: generalized autonomy that will eventually orchestrate robots across entire logistics processes.
We're looking for a hands-on Manufacturing Operations Manager to run production of our robotic systems and own our MES (Manufacturing Execution System) implementation — ideally with Tulip. You'll be on the floor daily, understand the build process for complex robotic hardware, and directly configure and deploy digital workflows that replace paper-based processes, giving the business real-time production visibility.
What You'll Do
Manufacturing Operations
Manage day-to-day operations for production/assembly of robotic systems (arms, cabinets, end effectors, and related subassemblies)
Understand mechanical assembly, wiring/harnessing, electro-mechanical integration, and functional test steps well enough to troubleshoot directly with technicians
Lead root cause analysis on build defects, quality escapes, and process deviations
Own production scheduling, capacity planning, and staffing for your area
Drive continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) across assembly lines and test stations
Partner with mechanical/electrical/manufacturing engineering on new product introductions (NPI), ensuring assembly processes and MES workflows are designed in from the start
Manage and develop a team of technicians/assemblers, including performance reviews and coaching
MES Implementation & Ownership
Lead the implementation, configuration, and rollout of MES software
Build and maintain digital work instructions, operator apps, and andon/alert workflows, and data collection stations within the MES platform
Integrate MES with test equipment, torque tools, scanners, and fixtures to capture real-time production data (cycle time, first-pass yield, scrap, downtime reasons)
Train assemblers, technicians, and supervisors on new digital workflows; drive adoption and resolve resistance to change
Build dashboards and reporting from MES data to give leadership visibility into production performance and traceability (especially serialized component/subassembly tracking)
What You'll Bring
5+ years in manufacturing operations, ideally within robotics, complex electro-mechanical assembly, or similar high-mix/precision hardware manufacturing
Demonstrated experience implementing an MES system from the ground up — not just using one already in place. Tulip experience strongly preferred; will consider comparable platforms
Comfortable being on the floor daily — not a desk-only role
Understanding of OEE, first-pass yield, downtime tracking, and how to translate shop-floor data into actionable improvement
Strong people leadership skills, including experience managing technicians/assemblers
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
Preferred: Lean/Six Sigma certification
