Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced operations professional to build and own our Manufacturing, Prototyping, Lab Management, and Supply Chain function. This role is a foundational hire as we transition from early prototypes to repeatable robot builds and growing field deployments.

The Manufacturing, Prototyping, and Lab Operations Lead will sit at the intersection of hardware engineering and robot operations, owning the systems, spaces, parts, and technician workflows that enable fast iteration, reliable builds, and continuous learning. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for standing up our first dedicated prototyping lab and manufacturing space, while also building the operational backbone needed to scale.

You will work closely with Hardware Engineering, Robot Operations, and company leadership to turn physical operations into a durable competitive advantage.

Core Responsibilities:

Prototyping Lab & Manufacturing Space

• Design, stand up, and operate the company’s initial prototyping lab and manufacturing space.
• Define layouts and workflows for assembly, testing, repair, and prototyping
• Specify, procure, and maintain manufacturing and prototyping equipment
• Establish lab safety standards, operating procedures, and ongoing readiness

Inventory, Parts, and Asset Management

• Own parts inventory accuracy, including regular audits, stock levels, and location tracking
• Define reorder points and lightweight supply planning processes
• Track serialized components, assemblies, and robots across build, field use, and repair

PDM / PLM and Supplier Management

• Implement and own a right-sized PDM/PLM system
• Define part numbering, revision control, and release processes
• Maintain a single source of truth for parts, assemblies, and documentation
• Track suppliers, lead times, costs, and quality issues

Technician Management – Build, Test, Repair, and Prototyping

• Manage technicians responsible for robot build, test, repair, and refurbishment
• Manage prototyping technicians operating in-house manufacturing equipment
• Define standard work instructions, procedures, and checklists
• Balance speed, quality, safety, and learning across technician workflows
• Create feedback loops between technicians, engineering, and operations

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, hardware engineering support, or related roles
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing, prototyping, lab, or shop environments
• Strong familiarity with mechanical and/or electrical hardware systems
• Experience managing technicians or frontline manufacturing staff
• Experience setting up or running labs, shops, or manufacturing spaces
• Practical experience with inventory management and physical asset tracking
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to operate in ambiguity and build systems from scratch
• Safety-conscious and comfortable owning physical risk in lab and manufacturing environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience at an early-stage robotics, hardware, or deep-tech startup
• Experience implementing PDM/PLM systems (e.g., Arena, Propel, Windchill, or similar)
• Experience working with contract manufacturers or scaling from prototype to production
• Familiarity with supply chain planning and vendor management
• Background in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
• Experience designing standard work and continuous improvement processes
• Comfort moving between hands-on execution and higher-level system design

Walden Robotics offers a competitive total compensation program, including salary, annual cash bonus, company equity, company-subsidized insurance programs, 401(k) with company match, flexible PTO, daily lunch, and other benefits. The pay ranges noted on our posts are for salary only.

Walden Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to hello@waldenrobotics.com.

Walden Robotics participates in E-Verify. If you receive an offer of employment from Walden, you will need to go through the E-Verify process of digital verification of your employment authorization documents as provided on the Form I-9. Participation in E-Verify does not limit your right to work and verification will only be completed after you become

At Walden Robotics, we envision a world where general-purpose robots dramatically improve the quality of life for all people—supporting us at home, at work, in factories, on farms, and beyond. To accomplish this, we are building a team of exceptional professionals who combine world-class technical skills with creative vision, grounded in humility and collaboration.