About Valstad
Valstad is building the machine that builds the ships.
We combine industrial robotics, welding, sensing, and AI to turn 3D models into real high-mix ship structure. Our mission is to rapidly expand America's maritime output by 100x.
Our team works directly with large industrial robots and real manufacturing equipment at our Austin facility. The systems we build will ultimately be deployed across shipyards and industrial facilities throughout the country.
The Role
Valstad is seeking a hands-on manufacturing leader to build and scale our robotic production operation.
You will own production, industrialization, quality, safety, equipment readiness, staffing, and continuous improvement. You will work closely with engineering to turn new robotic processes into reliable production systems.
This role is for someone who is deeply committed to reindustrializing America, moves with urgency, and is willing to challenge or replace systems that do not work. You should be comfortable building from scratch, making decisions with incomplete information, and staying personally engaged until difficult manufacturing problems are solved.
What You Will Do
Build and scale automated production lines from initial concept through sustained production.
Own manufacturing output, quality, schedule, safety, and equipment reliability.
Industrialize robotic welding, material handling, assembly, and inspection processes.
Establish production planning, work instructions, maintenance, and operating systems.
Identify and remove constraints affecting throughput, cost, and reliability.
Partner closely with robotics, automation, software, and mechanical engineering.
Recruit, lead, and develop manufacturing engineers, technicians, operators, and production staff.
Develop capacity, staffing, supplier, and capital plans as production grows.
Create a culture of urgency, accountability, practical problem solving, and continuous improvement.
What We Are Looking For
10+ years of manufacturing, industrialization, or production experience.
Demonstrated experience building and scaling automated production lines from scratch.
Deep familiarity with industrial robots and automated manufacturing equipment.
Experience moving new processes from engineering development into repeatable production.
Ability to recruit and manage teams of manufacturing engineers and production personnel.
Strong command of quality, safety, maintenance, capacity planning, and production systems.
A relentless approach to difficult problems and a willingness to remain personally involved until they are resolved.
High tolerance for ambiguity, rapid iteration, and rebuilding processes that are not working.
Strong alignment with Valstad’s mission to restore and expand American industrial capacity.
Willingness to relocate to Austin, Texas, and work primarily from our manufacturing facility.
Experience in shipbuilding, heavy fabrication, aerospace, defense, automotive, industrial equipment, or another automation-intensive manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
What Success Looks Like
Valstad’s robotic systems move from engineering demonstrations into reliable production. Output increases, downtime falls, quality becomes measurable, and the operation no longer depends on constant intervention from the engineering team.
You build the manufacturing organization, systems, and operating discipline required to scale Valstad from an early production facility into a significant American industrial company.