Manufacturing Operations Manager

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

Pay at Pickle

At Pickle Robot Company, we believe transparency builds trust. The salary range listed here is provided in accordance with Massachusetts law and reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role. We often consider candidates at different levels of seniority, and final compensation will reflect the level at which a candidate is hired, along with factors like experience and location.

Pickle Perks

Pickle provides best-in-class benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance; unlimited vacation; paid federal and state holidays; 401(k) contributions of 5% of your salary; company-covered travel expenses; and other perks to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive.