Factory Planning and Expansion Lead

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders , soldiers in battlefield scenarios , and beyond .

About the role:

We are seeking a highly experienced Factory Planning & Expansion Lead to drive the end-to-end planning, factory layout, and support construction of new manufacturing facilities and expansions of existing sites. This role is heavily focused on factory design, layouts, and space planning requiring deep expertise in capital projects, site development, contractor management, and industrial building systems.

You will lead complex, large-scale factory design from concept through commissioning, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to operational requirements.

How you'll make an impact:

Design & Planning Integration

• Collaborate with manufacturing, process engineering, and operations teams to translate production needs into facility requirements

• Ensure factory layouts, workflows, and utilities are integrated into construction plans

• Review and approve design drawings, specifications, and construction documents

Factory Expansion & Construction Leadership

• Support as needed all phases of factory expansion projects, including site selection support, feasibility, design coordination, construction, and commissioning

• Serve as the owner’s representative for all construction activities, ensuring alignment with business and production goals

• Develop and manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and capital expenditure plans as it pertains to factory equipment and facility requirements

  Equipment Commissioning & Handover

  • Oversee commissioning of facilities, ensuring readiness for manufacturing operations

  • Drive punch list completion, final inspections, and occupancy approvals

  • Ensure smooth transition from construction to operations

Construction Management

• Support as needed general contractors, subcontractors, architects, and engineering firms

• Support construction execution, including site development, civil works, structural, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and utilities infrastructure

• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor progress, quality, and safety compliance to ensure ensure factory deliverables

Project Delivery & Controls

• Implement strong project governance, including risk management, cost control, and schedule tracking

• Identify and mitigate construction risks, delays, and cost overruns

What makes you a good fit:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (Master’s preferred)

• 10+ years of experience in industrial construction or capital projects, with significant exposure to aerospace or high-spec manufacturing environments

• Proven track record delivering large-scale manufacturing facilities, hangars, or precision production spaces

• Strong expertise in construction project management, contracts, and site execution

• Deep understanding of industrial building systems (MEP, utilities, clean rooms, etc. as applicable)

• Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environments is a plus

• Previous industrial experience, mechanical & infrastructure intense projects

• Experience with factory automation or advanced manufacturing environments

• Familiarity with lean factory design or production flow optimization

• Experience with sustainability, energy systems, or green building standards (LEED, etc.)

• Strong knowledge of industrial factory design, MEP systems, and site development

• Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions

Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $147,000 - $210,000*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.

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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.