Job Description

Robinson Unmanned (formerly Ascent AeroSystems) is the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) business unit of Robinson Helicopter Company. Focused on designing and manufacturing all-weather, high-performance UAS from 249g to 1,500 pounds, Robinson Unmanned combines modular open system architecture, advanced autonomy technologies, and robust, full-scale manufacturing expertise to deliver scalable, aerospace-grade, unmanned VTOL capabilities across mission-critical industrial, civil and defense markets, all while reducing human risk and increasing operational efficiencies.

As you consider your next career move…

• Do you want to create new and useful things at the bleeding edge of technology?
• Are you relentlessly curious, eager to learn new things?
• Do people turn to you because they know they can count on you?
• Are you able to dare greatly, fail quickly, and keep moving?
• When things get difficult, can you double-down and persevere?
• Do you want to be part of something bigger?

If this describes you, please read on!

We are seeking a hands-on, execution-driven Head of Operations to lead, scale, and transition our operational functions across procurement, customer fulfillment, production, flight operations, and technical support. This role is responsible for turning strategy into action — building processes, developing teams, and ensuring we deliver safe, high-quality products on time.

This is a critical role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, technical environment and is energized by building systems that work.

What You’ll Do

The Head of Operations is responsible for leading end-to-end operational execution across supply chain, production, quality, and customer support functions within a high-growth drone manufacturing environment. This role guides supply planning, procurement, and inventory management to ensure material availability while optimizing working capital and mitigating supply chain risk. The manager is integral to the production planning and execution process, cost control, and adherence to quality management standards. Additionally, the role manages the customer support ticketing process, ensuring timely resolution of technical and service issues, capturing field feedback to inform product improvements, and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. The Head of Operations partners closely with Engineering, Sales, and Finance to align operational capacity with forecasted demand and strategic growth objectives.

Lead Operational Execution

• Manage day-to-day operations across supply chain, production, fulfillment, and flight operations
• Set priorities, assign work, and ensure accountability to performance goals
• Develop, coach, and grow high-performing team members
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Supply Chain & Production

• Execute supply chain plans to support production and delivery targets
• Improve throughput, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency
• Maintain accurate inventory and implement planning tools to prevent shortages
• Oversee assembly operations and enforce standard operating procedures
• Troubleshoot production challenges and partner with engineering on solutions

Technical Support & Product Readiness

• Ensure prototypes are production-ready and builds are repeatable
• Resolve manufacturing issues and manage hardware configurations
• Support customers and field teams with operational expertise

Flight Operations & Customer Support

• Manage flight operations for testing, safety management, and customer fulfillment.
• Ensure safety standards and regulatory compliance are maintained
• Maintain flight logs and operational documentation

Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Track KPIs including throughput, on-time delivery, quality, and cost
• Analyze data to identify improvement opportunities
• Implement Lean and process improvement initiatives

What You Bring

• 7+ years of operations management experience in aerospace, aviation, UAV, robotics, manufacturing, or a technical hardware environment
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Operation, Customer Fulfillment or related field required
• Experience managing production/customer fulfillment teams and scaling operational processes
• Strong understanding of supply chain and manufacturing workflows
• Demonstrated success improving efficiency and performance metrics
• Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally with engineering teams
• Clear communication, strong ownership mindset, and attention to detail
• UAS experience required

This is an opportunity to build and lead operational excellence in a growing company where safety, quality, and execution matter.

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