Operations Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Role: Manufacturing Operations Program Manager

Location: San Diego, CA (in-office)

Salary: $100,000 - $150,000 / yr + stock options, 401k matching, and other benefits.

Role Overview:
At Seasats, the Manufacturing Operations Program Manager owns the end-to-end production operations of our autonomous surface vehicles. This role is ideal for a highly process-driven builder who has set up efficient manufacturing systems before and isn't afraid to enforce structure, even when it's uncomfortable.

You'll curate the flow of information and materials from parts to finished systems -- designing the processes, communication loops, and operating rhythms that allow engineering, procurement, and manufacturing to stay aligned and move efficiently. While this role will eventually be more of an air traffic controller, you should expect to start very hands-on as we stand up our production line and new facility.

Role Details:

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Own and operate Seasats' manufacturing line, including final assembly, test, and pack (FATP)
• Design and implement production systems that ensure clear communication, repeatability, and accountability
• Evaluate and optimize our production floor layout and material flow to increase throughput and reduce friction as we scale
• Refine and scale our assembly line processes -- including flow design, tooling selection, workstation configuration, and production sequencing
• Collaborate with Procurement to define inventory flows and establish processes that ensure materials are available where and when they're needed
• Partner with Mechanical, Electrical, and Software, and Test Engineering teams to identify and prioritize components that require testing
• Design scalable processes that integrate tests into production
• Own the integrity of production Work Instructions within ION -- ensuring updates are reflected promptly and execution matches documented process
• Manage supply chain partners, acting as a customer-relationship owner for key vendors (e.g., capacity planning, pricing, and long-term availability), acting at a strategic level rather than handling day-to-day purchasing tasks
• Continue growing the manufacturing operations team as volume and complexity increase

About You:

You are a structured, detail-oriented operator who believes great products require disciplined processes. You're comfortable balancing strategy with execution and can switch between whiteboarding systems and tightening bolts when needed. You have:

• 7+ years of experience in Manufacturing Program Management, Technical Program Management, Manufacturing Operations, or a similar role in hardware environments
• Demonstrated experience standing up or scaling manufacturing lines, production processes, or FATP operations
• Strong understanding of cross-functional hardware development involving mechanical, electrical, and software teams
• Comfortable enforcing process discipline and holding teams accountable in fast-moving environments
• Hands-on mindset with the ability to execute directly while building systems and teams for the future
• Strong communication skills and the ability to align diverse stakeholders around shared operational goals

About Seasats:

At Seasats, we're passionate about delivering maritime robotics solutions to redefine the maritime industry. Our primary products are autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), designed to carry sensors at sea for months at a time. Our ASVs provide persistent monitoring and data acquisition to defense, scientific, and commercial customers, and have autonomously crossed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. After thousands of years in which the only way to gather information from the ocean was to put people on a boat, these uncrewed vessels are transforming how humanity monitors and interacts with the ocean. Here, you'll find the space and opportunity to do your life's best work.

Along with your salary, you'll receive perks including:

• Competitive insurance (including a 99% employer-covered Gold HMO plan or other options)
• 401k matching up to 4% of salary
• Four free lunches per week
• An employee activity fund
• A pet-friendly office
• Unlimited/Flex PTO

Hiring Notes:

When applying, you'll be asked to provide a resume and answer a few screening questions.

Please note that we are currently unable to sponsor employment visas, so candidates must be independently authorized to work in the United States.

We appreciate diverse perspectives and life experiences, and we're committed to building a team that reflects a wide range of backgrounds. Seasats provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

We look forward to reviewing your application!