Assembly Manager

Position Summary

Blue Ops, a leader in advanced Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) production, is seeking an experienced Assembly Manager to oversee the assembly, integration, and testing operations within our manufacturing facility in Valdosta, Georgia. This role ensures that complex mechanical, electrical propulsion, and sophisticated control systems are assembled to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

The Assembly Manager will lead a skilled team of technicians, supervisors, and support staff to achieve production goals while aligning with Blue Ops’ mission of delivering reliable, mission-critical maritime systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Assembly Operations Leadership

• Manage day-to-day assembly operations for USV hulls, propulsion systems, electronics, and mission requirements.
• Develop and execute build schedules aligned with production targets and customer delivery timelines.
• Coordinate with engineering, supply chain, and quality to resolve build issues and ensure seamless handoffs.

Team Management & Development

• Supervise and coach assembly leads and technicians in Mechanical, Electrical, Tech Stacks, Sensors/Cameras and Communications, fostering technical excellence and accountability.
• Drive training programs on assembly procedures, tool use, and safety practices.
• Support workforce planning, staffing, and cross-training to build a flexible and skilled assembly team.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO, ITAR, ABS and DNV (as required) and defense manufacturing standards.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to achieve first-pass yield and zero-defect goals.
• Enforce OSHA and environmental safety standards across assembly operations.

Process Improvement & Efficiency

• Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives within assembly lines.
• Optimize workflows, tooling, and layout for efficiency, safety, and scalability.
• Monitor KPIs such as takt time, throughput, rework rates, and labor utilization, driving corrective actions where needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering to provide feedback on design-for-assembly (DFA) improvements.
• Partner with Supply Chain to ensure material availability and reduce assembly bottlenecks.
• Support program managers in meeting customer requirements and technical specifications.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing assembly or integration teams in aerospace, defense, maritime, or high-complexity manufacturing.
• Proven leadership of technical teams in a fast-paced, high-mix/low-volume environment.
• Strong knowledge of assembly processes for electromechanical and electronic systems.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or related field (or equivalent technical experience).
• Experience with USVs, UAVs, or other defense/aerospace systems.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems for tracking builds and materials.
• Certifications in Lean/Kaizen, Six Sigma, or PMP.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.