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Pickle Robot is automating global supply chains with Physical AI, building robots that work alongside warehouse teams to unload trucks and containers. This Manufacturing Operations Manager role owns day-to-day production and assembly operations for robotic systems (arms, cabinets, end effectors, subassemblies) and leads the implementation and ownership of the Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
Key responsibilities include:
**Manufacturing Operations:**
- Manage production/assembly operations for robotic systems, including mechanical assembly, wiring/harnessing, electro-mechanical integration, and functional testing
- Troubleshoot directly with technicians on assembly and integration issues
- 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 initiatives (Lean/Six Sigma) across assembly lines and test stations
- Partner with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering on new product introductions (NPI), ensuring assembly processes and MES workflows are designed from the start
- Manage and develop a team of technicians and assemblers, including performance reviews and coaching
**MES Implementation & Ownership:**
- Lead implementation, configuration, and rollout of MES software
- Build and maintain digital work instructions, operator apps, 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 provide leadership visibility into production performance and traceability, especially for serialized component/subassembly tracking
This is a hands-on role requiring daily floor presence and direct engagement with production teams.
**Requirements:**
- 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 an existing system); Tulip experience strongly preferred, but comparable platforms considered
- Comfortable being on the floor daily — not a desk-only role
- Understanding of OEE, first-pass yield, downtime tracking, and ability 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
