What we're looking for

Upside Robotics is scaling fast, and we’re looking for a Manufacturing Lead who thrives at the intersection of planning, precision, and people. This role is all about building reliable production systems while staying nimble enough to adapt when robotics R&D; inevitably throws curveballs. You’ll keep schedules tight, workflows smooth, and the team energized - even when timelines shift or priorities change.

Responsibilities

- Own production planning end‑to‑end: Build and maintain detailed production schedules, capacity plans, and resource forecasts that keep hardware moving from prototype to deployment without bottlenecks.
- Manage change with confidence and clarity: When engineering updates, supply chain surprises, or customer needs shift, you’ll re‑plan quickly and communicate changes in a way that keeps everyone aligned and calm.
- Drive on-time delivery: Track progress daily, identify risks early, and implement corrective actions to ensure production milestones are consistently met.
- Support and uplift the production team: Foster a positive, cooperative environment where technicians and assemblers feel supported, informed, and proud of their work. You’ll be the person who keeps morale high even during crunch periods.
- Optimize processes and workflows: Introduce structure, documentation, and continuous improvement practices that make production more predictable, scalable, and efficient.
- Coordinate cross-functional communication:



Work closely with engineering, supply chain, and operations to ensure production requirements are understood, materials are available, and blockers are removed quickly.
- Maintain quality and safety standards: Ensure every build meets Upside Robotics’ quality expectations and that the team follows safe, consistent procedures.

Qualifications

- Experience managing production or manufacturing operations, ideally in hardware, robotics, or a fast‑moving tech environment.
- A planning mindset—someone who loves structure, documentation, and clarity.
- The ability to stay steady and positive when plans change (because they will).
- Strong communication skills and a leadership style that makes people feel supported, not pressured.
- Comfort working with tight schedules and ambitious targets.
- A continuous improvement mentality—always looking for ways to make things smoother, faster, and more predictable.

Benefits & Compensation

- Equity: Meaningful equity stake; we want you to own the efficiency you create.
- Healthcare: Comprehensive coverage provided through Alan Health.
- Vacation: Unlimited. We prioritize a reliable supply chain over tracking hours.
- Impact: You are the engine that allows our "Physical AI" to be built and deployed at a global scale.

Pay: $75,000.00-$95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Work Location: In person

📌 Manufacturing Team Leader (Waterloo)
🏢 Upside Robotics
📍 Waterloo