Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.
Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.
The Manufacturing Lead – Shopfloor Operations is the operational owner of daily production execution across Harmattan AI’s manufacturing footprint.
This is a hands-on, execution-focused role, embedded in day-to-day factory operations, ramp-up, and serial production. The position carries end-to-end accountability for:
Shopfloor execution and output
People leadership and discipline
Adherence to safety, quality, and standard work
Stability of production flow
The role primarily covers:
Wissous manufacturing site (serial production)
The Manufacturing Lead reports to the Plant Manager and has full authority to intervene, decide, and stop activities where safety, quality, or production integrity is at risk.
Own daily execution of production plans across assembly and sub-assembly lines
Ensure adherence to takt time, line balance, and output targets
React immediately to disruptions (material shortages, quality issues, staffing gaps)
Escalate issues early with clear facts and pragmatic countermeasures
Lead operators, line leaders, and shift personnel on the shopfloor
Ensure clear task allocation, shift handovers, and performance visibility
Enforce standard work, safety rules, and quality discipline
Support onboarding, training, and skill development of operators
Ensure products are built strictly according to work instructions and quality standards
Enforce first-time-right production and proper defect containment
Support investigations, rework coordination, and corrective actions
Work closely with Production Planning to translate schedules into executable daily work
Provide structured feedback from the shopfloor to improve planning robustness
Coordinate with Manufacturing Engineering and Automation on line changes, tooling, and improvements
Track and report production KPIs to the Plant Manager
This role is about owning execution on the floor, not managing from a distance.
Proven experience leading shopfloor operations in an industrial or manufacturing environment
(defence, aerospace, electronics, automotive, or similar)
Strong people leadership with the ability to maintain discipline under production pressure
Solid understanding of assembly operations, flow lines, and takt-based production
Hands-on mindset with strong floor presence
Pragmatic, calm, and decisive in fast-moving environments
Adaptability & Mobility: Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; embraces a “no-task-is-too-small” mentality.
Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication in English, fluency in French is a very strong asset. Capable of leading diverse principals – able to operate seamlessly between technicians, engineers, contractors, and leadership
Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI’s mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans, ready to go the extra mile to ensure operational excellence.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
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