SAEKI — Rebuilding Europe’s industrial backbone

Europe's defense industrial base cannot respond at the speed modern conflict requires. Legacy suppliers operate on month-long timelines. Tribal knowledge is retiring. Supply chains are fragile. SAEKI is building the operating system for autonomous factories - the infrastructure that lets Europe manufacture mission-critical components at software speed.

The Role

As the Head of Manufacturing for Factory ONE, you are the operational architect of our primary production facility in Germany. You own the transition from technology development to large-scale industrial output. Your mandate is to establish and scale the facility that will serve as the blueprint for our global expansion.

What You'll Do

• Establish Factory ONE: You own the operational roadmap for our Munich facility. You will lead the build-out and machine commissioning, you are responsible for hitting production readiness on schedule.
• Direct the German Entity: Serve as Managing Director (Geschäftsführer) of SAEKI's German subsidiary. Navigate German regulatory, labor, and industrial requirements while maintaining the operational tempo of a scaling startup.
• Scale a High-Performance Team: Recruit and lead an elite group of engineers and operators. You own the technical bar for the facility and are responsible for maintaining a culture of accountability and continuous output.
• Own Quality, Compliance, and Delivery: Establish AS9100-ready quality systems from day one. Implement full traceability for defense customers. Manage export compliance (BAFA, dual-use regulations) for mission-critical hardware shipping across Europe.
• Industry-Ready Operations: Prepare Factory ONE for rigorous audits by Aerospace and Industrial OEMs. You ensure our processes are traceable, secure, and meet the standards required for high-stakes manufacturing.

What We're Looking For

• Industrial Leadership: 10+ years leading manufacturing operations in aerospace, defense, automotive Tier-1, or equivalent high-precision environments.You have a proven track record of scaling production from zero to series.
• Deep CNC and CAM Expertise: You are not just managing machinists, you've been one. Previous hands-on experience as a CNC machinist or CAM programmer is highly valued. You understand spindle speeds, toolpath strategies, and fixturing tradeoffs at a visceral level. You can evaluate a CAM setup, challenge a process plan, and know when a tolerance callout is unrealistic before it hits the shop floor.
• Hands-on Operational Excellence: You are a presence on the factory floor. You thrive in complex industrial environments and possess a relentless focus on delivery.
• German Market Expertise: Deep understanding of the German industrial landscape, labor standards, and regulatory requirements. You know how to navigate the Munich ecosystem efficiently.
• Software-Driven Mindset: You believe manufacturing's future is autonomous. You are energized, not threatened, by the idea that software will make most manual decision-making obsolete.
• Location: Based in Munich (on-site).
• Language: Fluent in German and English.

Life at SAEKI

• Mission: Rebuild the industrial sovereignty of the West. Your work enables the production of hardware that supports European security and technological leadership.
• Total Ownership: You own the P&L and operational success of Factory ONE. You have the authority to architect the team and processes required to scale.
• The Environment: Opportunity to build one of the world's most advanced autonomous manufacturing facilities.
• Compensation: Competitive salary + high-stakes equity.

Apply

• Resume: Focus on factories and systems you've built and owned
• Cover letter: Why is now the time to rethink European manufacturing? Why are you the perfect fit?

About us

SAEKI is building the operating system for autonomous factories. The infrastructure that lets Europe manufacture mission-critical components at software speed.