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Job description
Soaring Aerospace Inc. (SAI) is a startup which designs and manufactures autonomous UAV systems for commercial applications and mission-critical defense logistics. SAI works with government agencies, defense organizations, and strategic customers to develop and deploy advanced aircraft for demanding, high-reliability environments.
The Vice President of Operation will serve as a senior executive responsible for day-to-day operations across manufacturing, supply chain, people, and business execution, partnering closely with leadership to translate strategy into execution, oversee operational functions across the organization, scale teams and systems, reduce cost and operational friction, and ensure consistent delivery of complex UAV systems.
The entrepreneurial position requires hands-on, on-site leadership with frequent engagement across research and development, production, suppliers, and cross-functional teams and is based in Orange.
Responsibilities
Partner closely with leadership to oversee day-to-day operations across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, people, and business execution
Own operational strategy and execution to support company growth, scalability, and long-term performance
Lead manufacturing operations, production planning, and delivery of complex UAV systems in high-reliability environments
Oversee supply chain strategy, supplier relationships, contract manufacturers, and vendor performance, ensuring quality, resilience, and on-time delivery
Drive operational efficiency, cost optimization, and margin improvement through disciplined execution and cost accounting controls
Establish and scale operational processes, systems, and infrastructure to support increased production volume and revenue growth
Ensure readiness for production scale through capacity planning, tooling strategy, workforce planning, and process standardization
Oversee quality systems, inspections, corrective actions, and compliance with customer, contractual, and regulatory requirements
Lead recruiting, workforce planning, and organizational development across operations, including compensation and equity frameworks, benefits benchmarking, payroll oversight, and policy development
Establish KPIs, operating rhythms, and performance metrics to drive accountability, visibility, and continuous improvement
Identify operational risks and constraints, and lead cross-functional resolution
Communicate operational status, priorities, risks, and tradeoffs clearly to executive leadership, the Board, and key stakeholders
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced business degree required
10+ years of progressive leadership experience across product development, operations, manufacturing, and supply chain within aerospace, defense, robotics, or other high-reliability hardware environments
Proven track record of helping scale an early-stage or high-growth hardware startup from prototype or low-rate production into sustained commercial operations
Experience leading complex supply chains, contract manufacturers, and vendor networks in aerospace, UAV, or comparable industries
Strong track record of improving operational efficiency, cost controls, and margins
Deep understanding of manufacturing operations, quality systems, supplier management, and cost control
Experience establishing KPIs, operating cadences, and performance management systems
Defense-adjacent, government-contracting, or regulated environment experience preferred
Compensation
$220,000-$240,000
Significant company stock/equity participation
Health and dental insurance
Paid time off and paid holidays
401(k) retirement plan
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Worksite address
orange, CA, 92613, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.