VP Manufacturing

Job description

ABOUT US Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces. Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected. ABOUT THE ROLE As VP Manufacturing, you will lead the establishment and scaling of Harmattan AI’s manufacturing capabilities in the United States. This role is critical to enabling the company’s rapid expansion and supporting the delivery of advanced defense technologies to U.S. customers. You will be responsible for building and managing Harmattan AI’s U.S. manufacturing ecosystem, including the setup and optimization of production capabilities through industrial partners and internal operations as the company scales. You will ensure alignment with Harmattan AI’s global industrial strategy, quality standards, and operational best practices. This role requires a hands-on leader capable of structuring and scaling reliable industrial capacity in the United States, while coordinating closely with engineering, supply chain, and operations teams across multiple geographies. You will work in close coordination with the Head of Manufacturing & Supply Chain and jointly develop and deploy the U.S. manufacturing strategy, ensuring strong alignment with Harmattan AI’s global industrial roadmap while maintaining clear execution ownership in the U.S. RESPONSIBILITIES U.S. MANUFACTURING STRATEGY & EXECUTION - Develop and execute Harmattan AI’s U.S. manufacturing strategy in close alignment with the Head of Manufacturing & SCM, establishing a scalable and resilient industrial footprint to support rapid growth. - Structure and manage manufacturing partnerships and production capabilities in the United States, ensuring reliable, high-quality output. - Contribute to the progressive development of Harmattan AI’s long-term industrial capabilities in the U.S. as the company scales. - Ensure alignment between U.S. manufacturing execution and Harmattan AI’s global industrial strategy. PRODUCTION & SCALE MANAGEMENT - Direct the setup and operation of production capabilities in the United States, ensuring consistent quality standards and on-time delivery. - Oversee manufacturing execution and optimize production processes to meet scaling demands in dynamic, high-pressure environments. - Monitor and improve key manufacturing performance indicators such as throughput, yield, production cost, and quality. - Ensure the successful transition from engineering prototypes to scalable industrial production. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT - Develop and maintain relationships with U.S.-based manufacturing partners, suppliers, and industrial stakeholders. - Coordinate with global supply chain teams to ensure alignment with Harmattan AI’s procurement and sourcing strategies. - Manage production planning, logistics, and inventory flows to ensure reliable product delivery. - Contribute to building a resilient and scalable U.S. industrial ecosystem supporting production activities. PROCESS IMPROVEMENT - Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and boost operational efficiency by implementing best practices in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equivalent methodologies. - Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, increase throughput, and enhance overall product quality. - Implement structured processes to improve manufacturing reliability and operational performance. COLLABORATION & CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COORDINATION - Serve as a key liaison between Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance for manufacturing-related activities in the United States. - Partner with R&D teams to ensure manufacturability and industrial scalability of new systems. - Support engineering teams in adapting designs for efficient and reliable large-scale production. RISK & COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT - Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with relevant safety, regulatory, and quality standards (ISO, AS9100, or other defense-related certifications). - Maintain robust risk management processes, proactively identifying and mitigating potential production or supply chain issues. - Support compliance with U.S. defense and industrial regulatory frameworks where applicable. LEADERSHIP & TEAM DEVELOPMENT - Build and lead the U.S. manufacturing organization as Harmattan AI expands its operations in the region. - Recruit, develop, and mentor high-performing teams - Set clear objectives, manage performance, and foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and operational excellence. BUSINESS GROWTH SUPPORT - Support Harmattan AI’s expansion in the U.S. by ensuring manufacturing capabilities scale with commercial and operational demand. - Contribute to the development of strategic industrial partnerships and production capabilities in the region. - Collaborate with leadership to ensure manufacturing readiness for future programs and product lines. CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS Educational Background - A strong academic record in a technical field such as Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline. Experience - 7–10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership, including significant experience implementing medium- to large-scale production across multiple sites. - Demonstrated success working under strict time and budget constraints, preferably in robotics, aerospace, defense, or similarly complex sectors. Technical Aptitude - Comfortable working with advanced robotics, AI, and other emerging technologies, with the ability to learn and apply sophisticated engineering concepts. Project & Stakeholder Management - Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver on challenging objectives under tight deadlines and high stakes. Adaptability - Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments; exhibits a “no-task-is-too-small” mentality while driving large-scale strategic initiatives. Communication Skills - Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of influencing a wide range of stakeholders—from production-line personnel to senior executives. International Exposure (Preferred) - Experience working across diverse geographies and cultures, demonstrating the ability to adapt manufacturing processes to different regulatory and operational contexts. Commitment - 100% dedication to Harmattan AI’s mission, vision, and ambitious growth trajectory, with a willingness to put in extra effort to achieve breakthrough results We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.