NPI Manager

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for overseeing the development, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes for optical and photonic products, including precision optics, optical assemblies, and related manufacturing processes. This onsite role supports a publicly traded environment and emphasizes quality, compliance, scalability, and cost control. The position leads a team of manufacturing engineers and technicians and partners cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Program Management to support business, customer, and regulatory objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Process Development & Optimization

• Oversee the development, validation, and implementation of manufacturing processes for optical and photonic components, subassemblies, and systems, ensuring product performance, yield, and cost efficiency.
• Lead process development for precision optics manufacturing, optical alignment, coating support, and integrated optical assemblies as applicable.
• Ensure robust process documentation, including travelers, work instructions, routings, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support new product introductions (NPI), technology transfers, and scaling of optical products from development through full-rate production.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of manufacturing engineers and technicians.
• Set clear goals, conduct performance reviews, and support professional development through coaching and training.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Optical Design, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Engineering to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM/DFA) and smooth transition of optical designs into production.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Program Management to meet customer, regulatory, and financial objectives in a publicly traded environment.
• Serve as a technical liaison for resolving complex manufacturing challenges related to optics, photonics, and precision assemblies.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve yield.
• Analyze production metrics and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve operational performance.
• Champion best practices in process control and efficiency.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and regulations, including MIL specifications, ITAR, ISO 9001/AS9100 (as applicable), ANSI, and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Support compliance with internal controls, documentation rigor, and audit requirements typical of a publicly traded company.
• Maintain a safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible manufacturing environment.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits and ensure timely corrective and preventive actions.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage the manufacturing engineering budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Evaluate capital equipment needs and support justification, procurement, and implementation.
• Balance cost control with operational and quality objectives.

Technical Support

• Provide hands-on technical leadership to resolve complex manufacturing issues.
• Support root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable solutions.
• Optimize production output, process capability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY AND SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of optical and photonic manufacturing processes, including precision machining, polishing, coating support, alignment, bonding, and metrology (as applicable).
• Expertise with MIL specifications, ITAR regulations, and ISO/ANSI standards; familiarity with AS9100 or similar regulated quality systems preferred.
• Understanding of cost modeling, yield improvement, and scalability in a publicly traded manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, quality, and executive leadership.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field) required.
• Master’s degree or MBA preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering.
• 1–3 years of supervisory or people management experience required.