Overview:
This job description outlines a leadership role responsible for guiding a technical team to develop repeatable production processes and enable operations to deliver products that meet the organization's Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) targets.
Job Description:
- Mentor and develop the team for high performance and continuous improvement in laser/fiber assembly processes.
- Plan and manage projects to meet budget and schedule objectives.
- Oversee task planning, prioritize critical activities, and ensure smooth daily operations.
- Implement engineering controls and conduct training to promote a zero-incident safety culture, including laser safety risk assessments and audits.
- Take ownership of the product lifecycle, including RFQ management in collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to meet customer requirements.
- Ensure timely closure of RFQs by tracking and reporting Turnaround Time (TAT).
- Lead and ensure successful execution of FAT (Factory Acceptance Test), FLP (First Lot Production), and FAI (First Article Inspection) to meet all customer requirements.
- Manage customer communications during escalations and report progress to management.
- Ensure operational readiness and smooth project handover to manufacturing.
- Collaborate with Design Engineering to ensure manufacturable, high-quality product designs.
- Champion Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to maximize quality and yield at every stage.
- Lead testing strategy, process development, and design reviews for new products.
- Prepare and document processes for production transfer, including risk assessments and tooling development.
- Implement process controls, support technician training, and resolve technical issues using SPC, 8D, FMEA, and DOE methodologies.
- Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance yield, improve efficiency, and reduce waste.
Job Requirements:
- Master's degree in Optical, Materials, Mechanical, or Precision Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry; or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
- Proven leadership experience in optical, laser, or fiber product development or manufacturing within a cleanroom environment.
- Well-versed in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and optics design software (Zemax/others).
- Knowledgeable in ERP systems (SAP).
- Knowledge in Six Sigma and lean principles.
- Familiar with National Environment Agency (NEA) laser safety requirements.
- Hands-on experience in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), new product introduction (NPI), and process development.
- Experience in commissioning test and measurement systems.
- Familiarity with implementing and maintaining process controls and quality assurance systems.
- Practical knowledge of root cause analysis, 8D problem-solving, and conducting Design of Experiments (DOE).
- Experience in customer interfacing and leading escalations or technical discussions.
- Experience working within ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and AS9100 environments.
- Knowledge of part number generation processes and change control procedures.
- Strong understanding of cleanroom protocols, contamination control, and compliance with strict cleanliness and safety standards.
- Experience implementing safety programs, including conducting risk assessments, safety audits, and delivering safety training, particularly in laser safety.