Factory Head & Director of Operations

We're looking for a Factory Head & Director of Operations who will play a pivotal role in the future of our joint venture. Our Factory Head & Director of Operations will be responsible for the end-to-end setup, stabilization, and scaling of high-volume manufacturing operations for our products. You'll be managing and collaborating closely with executive leadership, engineering, supply chain, and quality teams, as well as providing overall operational leadership for the factory during its critical greenfield phase and beyond.

Responsibilities and Duties

* Operate effectively in a highly ambiguous, fast-paced greenfield environment, bringing structure and execution discipline

* Lead daily stand-ups to manage workflow, track KPIs, and align cross-functional teams

* Drive line stabilization, identifying and eliminating bottlenecks to improve throughput and efficiency

* Implement and scale Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma practices focused on throughput optimization and waste reduction

* Oversee end-to-end factory operations, including production, process engineering, and workforce planning

* Execute rapid hiring and onboarding, scaling the workforce by 5–10 operators per month

* Build and develop a high-performing operations team, including supervisors and line leads

* Establish and enforce safety standards, including ESD zones, fire suppression systems, and compliance protocols

* Own and optimize production systems and tools (e.g., ERP/MES, production planning, performance tracking)

* Ensure operational readiness and successful ramp-up from initial setup to stable, high-volume production

* Solve complex operational challenges related to scaling, process variability, and supply chain coordination

* Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, cost efficiency, and delivery performance

* Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, HR, Finance, and Leadership teams

* Manage relationships with external partners, including equipment vendors, contractors, and regulatory bodies

* Take full ownership of factory performance, including output, quality, cost, and delivery metrics

Qualifications and Skills

* 5+ years in high-volume manufacturing environments

* Proven experience in greenfield factory setup or startup environments

* Demonstrated success in scaling production operations

* Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related technical field

* Expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma (throughput optimization focus)

* Strong knowledge of production systems, process engineering, and industrialization

* Experience with ERP/MES systems, production planning tools, and data analytics platforms

* Familiarity with manufacturing automation, quality systems, and safety compliance frameworks

* Strong leadership in team building, rapid hiring, and workforce development

* Proven ability in operational execution, performance management, and cross-functional coordination

* Fluent in German and English

* EU Citizenship required

About Auterion

We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.

At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you'll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.