Head of Manufacturing

What is JetZero? Today’s aircraft contribute around 4% of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to the emissions of 200 million cars. This is only going to increase: Air travel is forecasted to double by 2050, while meaningful efficiency gains using current airplanes have hit a wall. JetZero is developing a blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft. It uses up to 50% less fuel and will be built to accommodate zero-emission hydrogen propulsion. JetZero is the inevitable solution to sustainable air travel. The JetZero Team We are experienced aerospace professionals and engineers, excited about the future. That future will only be possible if we share our vision and what it means to people’s lives: carbon-free flight that' is better for both passengers and airlines around the world. The Head of Manufacturing & Quality will be responsible for leading all aspects of production operations at JetZero. This senior leadership role will establish the manufacturing strategy, oversee facility ramp-up, and drive the transition from prototype to full-scale production. The ideal candidate combines deep aerospace manufacturing experience with a passion for innovation, operational excellence, and team leadership. The candidate will have successfully demonstrated the ability to create and implement a high-performance aerospace manufacturing organization and production system leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies. This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will be based onsite in Greensboro, NC. What You'll Do: Strategic Leadership • Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy for JetZero’s blended wing aircraft program, including production planning, quality, safety, and cost efficiency. • Build a world-class manufacturing organization, recruiting and developing top talent across production, maintenance, and engineering disciplines. • Create and champion a culture of operational excellence throughout all aspects of JetZero. • Partner with executive leadership on capacity planning, factory layout, and long-term operational scalability. Operations & Execution • Lead startup and ramp-up of the Greensboro production facilities, including commissioning of production lines, tooling, and automation systems. • Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement systems to maximize throughput, yield, and reliability. • Oversee manufacturing engineering, supply chain integration, materials management, and logistics to ensure seamless operations. • Ensure regulatory compliance with FAA, OSHA, and environmental standards. • Implement a quality management system and support processes which will enable JetZero to receive FAA Production Certification concurrent with FAA Type Certification of the production aircraft. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Work closely with Design, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure manufacturability and design-to-cost alignment. • Drive integration between digital manufacturing systems, ERP, and quality management tools. • Serve as a key liaison with local and state stakeholders to support workforce development and community engagement in partnership with JetZero’s Government Affairs and HR. • Responsible for budgetary performance of all manufacturing operations including capital expenditures associated with bringing the production facilities on-line in collaboration with Corporate Finance. What You Bring: • 15+ years of experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. • Proven record of leading greenfield manufacturing site development and high-rate production ramp-ups. • Expertise in lean production, advanced manufacturing technologies, and automation systems. • Strong understanding of aerospace quality systems (AS9100, FAA Part 21, etc.). • Demonstrated ability to build and scale large, cross-disciplinary teams. Preferred Skills & Experience: • Experience with composite structures, large-scale assembly. • Prior leadership in a startup or early-stage industrial environment. • Familiarity with digital twin and model-based manufacturing systems. Compensation: Our compensation package is a blend of base salary and equity options for eligible employees. The range for this role is $270,000 to $300,000. We consider a number of factors when presenting a final offer, including geography, internal equity and years of experience and expertise. Benefits • Generous PTO • 12 paid holidays • 401(k) • Medical, Dental, Vision • Disability Insurance • Life Insurance • Equity tax advisory services • Supportive work culture Pay Range $270,000—$300,000 USD The Interview Process We want our interview process to be a true reflection of our culture: transparent and collaborative. Throughout the interview process, your recruiter will guide you through the next steps and ensure you feel prepared every step of the way. • Our First Chat: During this first conversation, you’ll meet with a recruiter or hiring team member to chat through your background, what you could bring to our team, what you are looking for in your next role, and who we are. • The Hiring Manager Interview: You will meet with your potential future boss to really dive into the role, the team, expectations, and what success means at JetZero. This is your chance to really nerd out with someone in your field. • The Panel: Learn more about the team, responsibilities, and workflows. You should be prepared to speak about past projects, how you collaborate and communicate with others, and how you live our values. Depending on the team and role you are interviewing for, you may meet with several teammates as well as cross-functional partners. • The Executive Review: A chance to meet an executive and view JetZero from a different lens. Be prepared to ask well-thought-out questions about the company, culture, and more. Depending on the position you are interviewing for, there may also be a Take Home Exercise as part of the interview proccess. Our assessments seek to test the hard skills required to do the job. Your recruiter will inform you of which assessment you will be assigned and ensure you are fully prepared for your big day. JetZero does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. At JetZero, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment & do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws, ordinance, or regulation.