Head of Aircraft Production (R6147)

What you'll do:

• Lead prototype builds and new product introduction

  • Own the day-to-day execution of X-BAT prototype and development aircraft builds, including assembly, integration, rework and build support for testing.
  • Partner with Program Management to establish achievable build schedules, resource plans and milestones, making constraints and trade-offs visible early.
  • Work with Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering through build-test-learn cycles, ensuring build issues are captured, resolved and reflected in future designs and production processes.
  • Plan and execute pre-series builds to prove tooling, work instructions, material flow, process controls and workforce readiness before production ramp.
  • Maintain configuration discipline and aircraft traceability throughout development builds in partnership with Engineering and Quality.

• Establish the Seattle production operation

  • Lead manufacturing setup and operational readiness for X-Forge 3, working with Facilities and Manufacturing Engineering on factory layout, equipment installation, commissioning and production flow.
  • Recruit, develop and lead the production organization, building capable frontline leadership and a skilled aircraft assembly team.
  • Own production staffing, training and capacity plans, aligning investment and workforce growth with program demand.
  • Drive launch readiness across people, tooling, materials, processes and quality, with clear owners and closure plans for gaps.
  • Lead the transition from prototype operations into Seattle production, ensuring build knowledge and lessons learned transfer with the work.

• Deliver and scale aircraft production

  • Own production execution against safety, quality, delivery and cost targets as X-BAT moves through initial production and into sustained rate.
  • Establish daily operating routines, visual management and escalation processes that surface problems early and drive timely resolution.
  • Improve throughput, labor productivity, first-pass quality and schedule adherence through practical Lean methods and structured problem-solving.
  • Partner with Supply Chain and Planning to align material availability, supplier readiness and outsourced manufacturing with the production plan.
  • Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to eliminate recurring build issues and embed permanent corrective actions.
  • Deploy digital manufacturing tools and appropriate automation to improve execution, traceability and scalability.
  • Give leadership a clear view of production performance, launch readiness, risks and the decisions needed to maintain progress.