Head of Manufacturing

At Deep Mine, we are a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Driven by rigorous engineering developments of new defense products based on recent robotics and AI developments, we are on a steep growth trajectory. If you are interested in a career in a highly technical environment, thrive on pushing boundaries, and want to achieve ambitious goals, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

As our Head of Manufacturing, you will be instrumental in enabling Deep Mine's rapid growth and success. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will own the end-to-end manufacturing strategy and execution, including the setup and optimization of medium- to large-scale production lines in multiple locations. You will work under strict time and quality constraints to deliver our cutting-edge defense technologies on schedule and within budget. Your leadership will be critical in coordinating diverse teams, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, and driving continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight

• Establish and execute a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that supports Deep Mine's overarching mission.

• Define production goals, timelines, and budgets, ensuring alignment with senior leadership's vision and objectives.

Production & Scale Management

• Direct the setup and operation of manufacturing lines across multiple facilities, ensuring consistent quality standards and on-time delivery.

• Oversee plant operations and optimize production processes to meet scaling demands in dynamic, high-pressure environments.

Supply Chain & Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers, negotiating contracts and managing inventory to minimise costs and ensure high-quality inputs.

• Coordinate logistics and distribution strategies to meet product delivery requirements across different geographies.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and boost operational efficiency, introducing best practices in Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, increase throughput, and enhance overall product quality.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as a key liaison between R&D, Operations, Finance, and other departments to ensure smooth integration of manufacturing requirements.

• Partner with R&D to provide manufacturing feedback and adapt designs for efficient large-scale production.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and mentor a high-performing manufacturing team, fostering a culture of ownership, innovation, and excellence.

• Set clear goals, manage performance, and support professional growth across manufacturing teams.

Business Growth Support

• Contribute to the expansion of Deep Mine's partnerships and external relationships, ensuring manufacturing scalability meets scaling demand.

• Collaborate with external stakeholders to secure new production sites or negotiate manufacturing joint ventures where necessary.

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.

Location & Commitment

• Contract Type: Permanent, full-time position.

• Work Schedule: On-site in Paris with the potential for occasional travel.

• Availability: Due to the nature of our work, flexibility in working hours (including some evenings/weekends) may be required.

• Start Date: ASAP

We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Deep Mine.