Job Summary

The Manager, Prototype Build is responsible for leading the prototype assembly function for Atlas humanoid robots. This role manages supervisors across two distinct domains: (1) R&D Mechanical and Electrical Technical Specialists, who focus on early-stage, complex prototype builds where processes and designs are still evolving; and (2) Prototype Assembly Technicians, who focus on scaling repeatable builds once designs and processes have stabilized. The Manager ensures seamless transitions between these stages, enabling speed, quality, and learning in an R&D environment where design maturity is fluid and requirements are constantly evolving. This role requires balancing the ambiguity and hands-on problem solving of early prototype builds with the discipline and structure required to enable repeatability, scalability, and throughput.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Supervision

  • Manage and coach supervisors leading teams of R&D Technical Specialists and Prototype Assembly Technicians.

  • Ensure role clarity and smooth transitions as products evolve from early prototype units into repeat build phases.

  • Foster a culture of accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.

• Prototype Build Execution

  • Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of prototype robot builds, ensuring alignment to program priorities and timelines.

  • Enable Technical Specialists to resolve complex integration challenges where designs are incomplete or rapidly changing.

  • Guide Assembly Technicians toward repeatable, efficient processes once builds stabilize.

• Process & Quality

  • Partner with Engineering and Operations to ensure build processes meet safety, quality, and reliability standards.

  • Ensure lessons learned from early builds are captured and transferred into work instructions, documentation, and training.

  • Drive continuous improvement in tooling, fixturing, layout, and process design.

• Cross-Functional Alignment

  • Act as the key interface between Prototype Operations, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Program Management.

  • Balance R&D iteration speed with program-level commitments and downstream manufacturability.

  • Ensure effective communication across build phases, minimizing disruption as designs evolve.

• People Development

  • Identify, mentor, and develop high-potential supervisors and team members.

  • Ensure needed capabilities and bench depth are met for the Atlas program needs through cross-training and supplier-led training.

  • Provide clear career pathways for both Technical Specialists and Assembly Technicians.

  • Reinforce safety, technical excellence, and operational discipline.

Core Competencies

• Execution: Ensures high build performance under ambiguity; sets clear expectations for supervisors and teams.

• Collaboration: Builds strong cross-functional partnerships; mediates between fast-moving engineering requirements and operational stability.

• Innovation: Encourages Technical Specialists to experiment and solve problems creatively, while institutionalizing learnings into structured processes.

• Adaptability: Navigates the shifting demands of prototype maturity, pivoting between hands-on troubleshooting and scaled, repeatable builds.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of prototype assembly processes in complex electromechanical systems.

• Experience managing teams in both R&D and scaled prototype/low-volume build environments.

• Familiarity with process documentation, work instructions, and revision control in an evolving design environment.

• Skilled in root cause analysis, problem solving, and issue escalation in high-mix/low-volume builds.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Typical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.

• 8+ years of relevant operations or manufacturing experience, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role.

• Proven track record managing supervisors and multi-disciplinary build teams in prototype or advanced manufacturing settings.

• Experience balancing the competing needs of early R&D iteration and repeatable build performance.

• Robotics, aerospace, or advanced electromechanical systems background strongly preferred.