Robert Heffernan
About Robert Heffernan
Robert Heffernan serves as the Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at Skydio, a position he has held since 2024. He has a diverse background in manufacturing and engineering, with previous roles at Ford Motor Company and Tesla.
Current Role at Skydio
Robert Heffernan serves as the Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at Skydio, a position he has held since 2024. He operates on-site in Hayward, California, where he oversees various aspects of manufacturing operations. His role involves optimizing production processes and ensuring the efficient operation of manufacturing facilities.
Previous Experience at Tesla
Before joining Skydio, Robert Heffernan held multiple positions at Tesla from 2016 to 2024. He began as a Senior Product Excellence Engineer in Paint, later advancing to roles such as Staff Paint Quality Engineer, Engineering Operations Manager, and Senior Manager of Paint Operations. His final position at Tesla was Director of Manufacturing Engineering & Operations, where he contributed to manufacturing strategies and operational improvements.
Experience at Ford Motor Company
Robert Heffernan worked at Ford Motor Company from 2014 to 2016. He initially served as a Paint Automation Engineer for four months before transitioning to a Manufacturing Development Engineer role for two years. His experience at Ford provided him with a strong foundation in manufacturing processes and engineering principles.
Educational Background
Robert Heffernan completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering at Western Michigan University from 2009 to 2014. He also attended Brother Rice High School from 2005 to 2009. His educational background has equipped him with the technical knowledge necessary for his roles in manufacturing and engineering.
Internship Experience
In addition to his full-time roles, Robert Heffernan gained valuable experience through various internships. He interned at Meade in 2013, Graphic Packaging International in 2012, and Stryker in 2013. These internships allowed him to develop practical skills and insights into engineering and manufacturing operations.