VP of Manufacturing - US; Chicago, IL

VP of Manufacturing

We are looking for a VP of Manufacturing to lead Gideon’s end-to-end production system across our U.S. and Croatian manufacturing operations.

This is a senior strategic execution role responsible for scaling our manufacturing from low-volume, project-style production into a controlled, repeatable, audit-ready operation. Your responsibilities will include owning internal manufacturing, contract manufacturing partnerships, quality, manufacturing engineering, assembly, procurement, warehousing, and supplier relationships.

• Own Gideon’s production plan across internal manufacturing and contract manufacturing partners
• Translate annual volume commitments into monthly production plans and ramp schedules
• Define and manage production ramp phases from pilot to full-scale manufacturing
• Ensure every shipped unit meets the same quality, traceability, and documentation standards
• Drive improvements in unit cost, throughput, quality, and production efficiency
• Own supplier and strategic partner relationships, including contract manufacturing partners
• Lead partner selection, onboarding, ramp-up, commercial negotiations, and performance management
• Establish manufacturing standards, routings, BOM discipline, work instructions, change control, and ERP-driven processes
• Manage manufacturing engineering, quality, assembly, procurement, and warehousing functions
• Set internal capacity plans, headcount needs, tooling investments, facility requirements, and test automation roadmap
• Report manufacturing performance, risks, partner status, quality KPIs, cost trajectory, and ramp readiness to Gideon’s governance level
• Build and lead a strong cross-site manufacturing organization with a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement

• MBA or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field
• Significant senior manufacturing leadership experience, such as Director of Manufacturing, Plant Manager, Head of Operations, or similar
• Proven experience scaling production of complex electromechanical, robotic, or comparable technical systems
• Strong experience with manufacturing engineering, quality, assembly, procurement, and multi‑site operations
• Hands‑on experience managing suppliers and contract manufacturing partners
• Experience with RFQs, proposal evaluation, contract negotiation, pilot production, ramp management, and steady-state production
• Strong commercial understanding of supplier and manufacturing agreements, including payment terms, margins, inventory liability, indemnification, and termination terms
• Deep understanding of ERP-driven manufacturing execution, including BOMs, routings, work orders, work instructions, and traceability
• Practical quality systems experience and ability to support customer‑grade audits
• Excellent communication skills in English, including the ability to present clearly at governance or board level
• Authorization to work in the United States

• Experience scaling production of AMRs, AGVs, electric vehicles, autonomous systems, or other safety‑critical products
• Lean or Six Sigma certification with proven production results
• Experience setting up or significantly expanding manufacturing operations, including facilities, hiring, tooling, and capital deployment

• Flexible & remote work
• Medical, dental & vision plan for you and your family
• At least 22 vacation days per year
• Full paid sick leave
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Christmas & Easter bonus
• Outstanding team
• Internal upskilling
• Friendly & supportive environment
• Latest tech and tools