BS in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, or other relevant technical degree.
5+ years' experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, industrial engineering, or production operations within a precision manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated experience reducing manufacturing cost through cycle time reduction, yield improvement, labor efficiency, material utilization, scrap reduction, and routing accuracy.
Practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, DOE, FMEA/PFMEA, process capability, root cause analysis, and corrective action methods.
Experience developing and maintaining manufacturing documentation including routers, travelers, work instructions, BOMs, process flows, standard labor assumptions, and control plans.
Working knowledge of automation, robotics, machine integration, data acquisition, and manufacturing systems used to improve process repeatability and throughput.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and data analysis/reporting platforms; ability to interpret ERP/MRP, production, quality, and cost data to drive action.
Experience supporting optical, crystal, ceramic, sapphire, YVO4, or other precision component manufacturing processes.
Hands-on experience implementing automation, robotics, vision systems, AI-enabled analytics, or machine learning tools in a manufacturing environment.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, SME, ASQ, or equivalent continuous improvement certification.
Experience building cost models, capacity models, labor standards, OEE/throughput dashboards, or variance reduction scorecards.
Strong cross-functional leadership skills with ability to influence Operations, Quality, Planning, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance without direct authority.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, organization, and follow-through skills with a bias toward measurable business results.
Ability to regularly walk throughout manufacturing, assembly, test, coating, polishing, and warehouse areas.
Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 4-8 hours per day) while supporting production activities, process observations, and troubleshooting efforts.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials, tooling, fixtures, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to bend, stoop, reach, kneel, and climb ladders or step stools as required to support manufacturing equipment and process improvements.
Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, monitors, and engineering software for extended periods.
Ability to perform detailed visual inspections and review technical data, drawings, procedures, and manufacturing documentation.
Ability to work in cleanroom, laboratory, and manufacturing environments while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, smocks, and protective footwear.
Ability to support manufacturing activities in environments that may include moving machinery, vibration, noise, and exposure to chemicals used in optical manufacturing processes while following established safety procedures.
Ability to occasionally work flexible hours to support production needs, equipment installations, process qualifications, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ability to work in cleanroom, laboratory, and manufacturing environments while wearing required PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, smocks, and protective footwear.