Operations Manager at Palares LLC – Lenexa, Kansas

GuideTech, a subsidiary of Palladyne AI, builds high-performance avionics and autonomy software for aerospace, space, and defense systems. We support a wide array of vehicles, from small multi-rotors, heavy lift UAVs, unmanned fighter jets, launch vehicles, spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, missiles and counter-UAS interceptors.

Our BRAIN flight computer pairs an NVIDIA Jetson Orin autonomy module with a Zynq-7000 real-time module for flight-critical Guidance/Navigation/Control, sensors, and I/O. Interfaces include RS-422/485, USB 3.0, HDMI, GigE, PWM/DSHOT, RS422, SPI, I2C, CAN, MIPI, PCIe, and more, with a hardware safety watchdog and triple-redundant IMUs.

We outsource PCB fabrication and SMT assembly, and perform in-house inspection, bring-up, test, and final assembly of our board stack—so you’ll see designs through to working hardware. We also leverage hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) flight simulation with our FLEX software and simulation to accelerate integration & test.

Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PYDN) is an AI software company on a mission to automate physically demanding work that has historically been “too complex to automate.” With more than thirty years of robotics R&D — including during our time under Raytheon — we’ve developed advanced AI and ML software that enables robots to observe, learn, reason, and act with human-like intelligence.

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to build the operational foundation of our hardware production business. This is a ground-floor opportunity for a process-oriented leader to design, document, and implement the end-to-end production pipeline. The successful candidate will own the creation of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality control checkpoints, and technician workflows, while also recruiting, onboarding, and managing a team of production technicians as our output scales.

• Standup an operations organization that collaborates well with engineering and leadership teams.
• Design, write, and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures for all stages of hardware production, including assembly, testing, inspection, packaging, and shipping.
• Create work instructions, process flow diagrams, and visual aids to ensure consistent, repeatable execution.
• Maintain a centralized document control system so all SOPs are version-controlled, accessible, and regularly reviewed.
• Define and document quality gates, acceptance criteria, and non-conformance escalation paths at each production stage.
• Continuously audit and iterate on processes as production volumes grow and product lines evolve.
• Establish inventory and materials management procedures, including incoming inspection and kitting workflows.
• Implement production scheduling and capacity planning practices to meet customer demand.
• Partner with HR to write job descriptions, post positions, and manage the hiring process for production technicians.
• Conduct interviews, skills assessments, and make hiring recommendations to fill technician roles.
• Establish and own the quality management system (QMS) for production, including inspection checkpoints, defect tracking, and root cause analysis.
• Define KPIs such as yield rates, defect rates, cycle time, and OEE; report metrics to leadership regularly.
• Ensure all processes and documentation meet applicable regulatory and customer quality standards.

• 5+ years of experience in an operations management role focused on hardware production in regulated or high precision manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience writing SOPs, work instructions, and process documentation in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience hiring, training, and managing production technicians or hourly manufacturing staff.
• Strong understanding of quality management principles.
• Familiarity with ERP or MRP systems for production tracking.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of autonomy.
• Excellent written communication skills — this role requires producing clear, precise documentation.

OUR EMPLOYEE DNA (HOW WE WORK)

• We take ownership and follow through on commitments
• We communicate directly, respectfully, and with transparency
• We prioritize effectively and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
• We collaborate across teams and support one another to get results

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

We believe competitive compensation and meaningful benefits are foundational—but what truly drives performance is connection to purpose. We aim to create an environment where employees are motivated not just by what they earn, but by the impact they make and the team they’re part of.

CULTURE (WHY IT MATTERS)

Our culture is grounded in trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to meaningful work. As a government contractor, we support missions that impact national security, public safety, and critical technologies—work that demands accountability, professionalism, and high ethical standards.

We believe exceptional results come from empowered teams. We foster a collaborative environment where expertise is valued, diverse perspectives are respected, and individuals are trusted to take ownership and make an impact.

WORK AUTHORIZATION & CLEARANCE

This position requires the ability to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Depending on the nature of the work, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance may be required. Candidates may be asked to provide additional information relevant to clearance eligibility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

BENEFITS

GuideTech offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, and additional employee programs designed to support your overall well-being.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is based onsite in Lenexa, Kansas and may involve working in both an office and light production environment. Responsibilities may include occasional standing, lifting, and handling of equipment or materials.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.

THE FINE PRINT

No 3rd party candidates will be accepted

GuideTech is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.