Senior Operations Engineering Manager

Position Summary

FlightWave, a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is seeking an Operations Engineering Manager to lead a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for supporting the manufacturing, test, and sustainment of drone products. This role ensures production readiness, drives continuous improvement, and maintains alignment between engineering and operations to achieve quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth with hands-on leadership and thrives in a fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a team of manufacturing, process, test, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers
• Set clear priorities, goals, and performance expectations aligned with company objectives
• Coach team members on problem-solving, root cause analysis, and engineering best practices
• Build cross-functional capability and flexibility within the team
  
  

Manufacturing & Production Support

• Ensure engineering support for daily production activities, resolving issues impacting throughput, yield, and quality
• Drive rapid response to production disruptions, including root cause identification and corrective actions
• Partner closely with production, supply chain, and quality teams to meet output targets
  
  

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Lead development, validation, and optimization of manufacturing processes and work instructions
• Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement efforts (cycle time, scrap reduction, cost savings)
• Standardize processes across products and production lines where applicable
  
  

Test Engineering & Product Validation

• Oversee development and maintenance of board-level and system-level test strategies and fixtures
• Ensure robust test coverage, data collection, and traceability for all products
• Improve test efficiency, reliability, and throughput
  
  

Sustaining Engineering

• Manage engineering changes, product updates, and obsolescence issues
• Ensure timely resolution of field and production issues
• Maintain product performance, reliability, and manufacturability throughout the product lifecycle
  
  

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Partner with design engineering to ensure smooth transition of new products into production
• Ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) principles are implemented
• Lead pilot builds, process validation, and production readiness reviews
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the primary interface between operations and engineering teams
• Collaborate with supply chain on vendor-related issues and material readiness
• Support quality initiatives including audits, corrective actions, and compliance
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 8 – 12 years of engineering experience in manufacturing environments
• 3 – 5 years of leadership experience managing technical teams
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including electromechanical assembly
• Experience with test systems, fixtures, and validation methodologies
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and production planning environments
• Experience with drones, aerospace, or complex electronic systems preferred
  
  

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Ability to lift 50lbs
• Standing for long periods of time
• Ability to work in different environments and heat
  
  

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: $132k – $183k, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.