Vice President of Manufacturing

About Lucid Bots

Lucid Bots Inc. is an AI robotics company that extends human reach by building the world's most productive and responsible robots. Our robots allow people to perform dangerous and demanding tasks without putting human life and safety at risk.

Headquartered in Charlotte, we design, engineer, manufacture, and support our products domestically. Our current line of production‑ready robots includes the Sherpa, a cleaning drone, and the Lavo Bot, a pressure‑washing ground robot. Our products elevate safety and efficiency for customers all around the world. Lucid Bots was recently recognized as the fastest growing robotics manufacturer in the United States.

We are venture‑backed, with multi‑round investments from Y Combinator (S19 batch), Cubit Capital, Idea Fund Partners, Danu Ventures, and others. Learn more about our vision.

Our Core Values And How We Work Together

Meeting the demands of our fast‑growing venture‑backed startup requires commitment from every team member—a commitment to each other, to the customers, and to the broader community. Our core values guide us in how we fulfill that commitment every day:

• Lead with Compassion – Foster an inclusive and supportive environment where people feel valued and heard.
• Grow with Purpose – Embrace learning, adaptation, and intentional decision‑making.
• Win as One Team – Collaborate and share ownership of our vision and outcomes.
• Be Positive Agents of Change – Take ownership and drive impactful actions.
• Pursue Extraordinary Impact – Solve meaningful problems with innovation and effort.
  
  

Role: Vice President of Manufacturing

Goal of This Role

Own and scale Lucid Bots’ manufacturing engine—from prototype to full‑rate production—so we can deliver thousands of world‑class robots each year with unwavering quality, safety, and cost discipline. You will build and mentor a high‑performing operations organization, translate real‑time field feedback into rapid design & process improvements, and ensure our domestic factory in Charlotte sets the industry standard for responsible robotics manufacturing.

How You Will Flourish In This Role

• You are a people‑centric leader who develops first‑time managers into empowered, accountable operators.
• You thrive in an iterative, fast‑moving environment where hardware and software updates ship frequently.
• You balance strategic thinking with a hands‑on, get‑it‑done mentality—comfortable on the factory floor as well as in the boardroom.
• You communicate with clarity and data, aligning Engineering, Product, Supply Chain, and Finance around a single source of truth.
  
  

What You’ll Do

• Scale Production – Expand output from hundreds of units per year to >1,000 units/year within 18 months while maintaining >95% on‑time delivery.
• Launch New Product Lines – Industrialize the Lavo Bot and future payloads, taking products from EVT/DVT/PVT through full production release.
• Lead & Develop the Team – Hire, coach, and retain a 20 person manufacturing organization, including mentoring first‑time supervisors and managers.
• Drive Continuous Improvement – Implement Lean/6σ practices, cell design, and automation to reduce COGS by 20% and cycle time by 30%.
• Own Global Supply Chain – Qualify and manage strategic vendors; negotiate cost, quality, and capacity agreements that de‑risk supply.
• Integrate with Engineering & Product – Run a closed‑loop feedback system that incorporates real‑time field data into design changes with minimal production disruption.
• Stand‑up & Optimize ERP – Lead the end‑to‑end deployment of our ERP (Acumatica), ensuring accurate BOMs, routings, and inventory control.
• Ensure Quality & Compliance – Establish ISO‑compliant quality management systems and champion a safety‑first culture across the plant.
• Make vs. Buy Strategy – Expand in‑house production of high‑value components while cultivating third‑party relationships for scaling.
  
  

Skills & Qualifications

Must‑Haves

• Proven track record as a manufacturing leader (Director/VP level) scaling technology-based products (robotics, automotive, or other electro‑mechanical systems).
• Demonstrated success launching new product lines and driving DFMA with Engineering.
• Expertise in global supply chain management, including vendor qualification and contract negotiation.
• Experience standing up or optimizing an ERP/MRP system (ideally Acumatica) across multi‑discipline teams.
• Deep understanding of both hardware and software‑integrated products and their manufacturing challenges.
• Comfortable making rapid, data‑driven decisions in a dynamic scale‑up environment.
• Charlotte‑based full‑time; willing to be on‑site daily.
  
  

Nice‑to‑Haves

• Previous startup or high‑growth scale‑up experience.
• High technical fluency in robotics, mechatronics, or embedded systems.
• Existing network of supply‑chain and contract‑manufacturing partners.
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, ASQ, CPIM).
  
  

Why Join Lucid Bots?

• Own the mandate to build the world’s most productive robotics factory.
• Collaborate with a mission‑driven team that is redefining safety and efficiency in essential industries.
• Direct access to the Founder/CEO and executive leadership—your voice will shape strategy.
• Join a company recognized for triple‑digit growth and backed by top‑tier investors.
• Advance your career while driving tangible, positive impact on workers’ lives worldwide.
  
  

Additional Notes

Location: On‑site in Charlotte, NC. Limited travel (<20%) to suppliers and contract manufacturers.

This role will evolve with company growth—future responsibilities may include greenfield facility expansion.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Stock options
• 3% retirement match
• 15 days of paid time off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays
• Company employee option plan
• Additional perks as we grow