Email your resume to jobs@windbornesystems.com to apply
As the WindBorne Production Manager you will play a critical role in the creation of the microballoon fleet while interacting with all facets of the business from Assembly Technicians to the Executive Team. We're dedicated to helping humanity adapt to climate change as fast as possible, and you can be a part of our mission to make this global societal impact. If you like the idea of working on cutting edge technology, and working with a fast moving team with a good sense of humor, WindBorne is the place for you.

Balloon flight paths from over 500 flights conducted by WindBorne
Roles and responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of manufacturing to produce company products and obtain maximum quality and profit
- Manage the direct labor team of assembly technicians. You will be responsible for operator performance including performance assessment, selection & hiring, training, and disciplinary action
- Establish training plan for new team members to ensure all personnel are trained to adequately perform their assigned responsibilities
- Develop or revise standard operational and working practices and observe workers to ensure compliance
- Develop & maintain a cross-training matrix for the production department.
- Review current manufacturing processes, evaluate efficiency and gap analysis. Create and implement improvements and clear documentation of work instructions.
- Review production and operating performance data to identify, prioritize and progress continuous improvement activities.
- Update and revise Manufacturing Process Instructions to ensure that MPIs are accurate and complete
- Document and report any variances, problems, issues, or concerns while working closely with Engineering to resolve production issues and actively participate in quality improvement initiatives. Work with the R&D team to transition new products from prototype to production.
- Critical attention and coordination for 1 day turn jobs. Detailed review and understanding for all job/ customer specific processing and schedule requirements.
- Assist with evaluation of designs for manufacturability (with respect to tooling and assembly methods). Provide suggested change proposals, or tooling concepts during the early design process phase.
- Evaluate and assist with the creation of information tracking infrastructure systems to maintain optimal workflow and quality.
- Plan production operations, establishing priorities and sequences for manufacturing products.
- Prepare operational schedules and coordinate manufacturing activities to ensure production and quality of products meet specifications
- Accountable, along with peers, for on time delivery and responding to customer escalations.
- Identify manufacturing impediments, part shortages and inventory issues, work with appropriate resources to resolve.
- Plan, supervise, drive improvement, and report production performance including output, yields, root cause failures, efficiencies, and trends.
Skills and Qualifications
Required
- Experience with creating and leading a team, with the ability to positively motivate personnel. (2+ years)
- Experience managing daily operations of a manufacturing line (2+ years)
- Willingness to operate and adapt to a quickly changing environment while maintaining a high standard of quality
- High level of proficiency with Google Suite (docs, slides, sheets, gmail, calendar)
- Experience working within a Digital HQ chat platform, e.g. Slack
- Strong organizational skills
- Experience working with PCBs and integrating them into electromechanical systems
- Willingness to learn new hands-on skills to help assist with manufacturing
Nice to have
- Experience working with Linux and command line
- Proficiency in a CAD platform (Solidworks preferred)
- Ability to maintain manufacturing equipments such as a laser cutter and 3D printer
- Proficiency with soldering, especially with small surface mount components
- Previous early startup experience (less than 25 employees)
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Stock Option Plan
- Office food and beverages
Location
Address: 858 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA.
Vast majority of work will be in person but flexibility to work from home is offered if the type of work allows for it.