PLM Administrator

LightPath Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of precision optics and photonics solutions, serving defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. With decades of expertise and a strong culture of innovation, LightPath designs and manufactures advanced optical components and systems that power some of the world’s most demanding applications. We offer a collaborative, technology-driven environment, opportunities to work on cutting-edge programs, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports our employees’ health, growth, and work-life balance.

We are currently looking for a PLM Administrator to join our team onsite in our Orlando, FL office. We offer a 9/80 work schedule and foster a professional, high-energy culture where employees are empowered to succeed.

The PLM Administrator serves as the primary technical owner and business steward of LightPath’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system. This role leads the initial configuration and deployment of the PLM platform, partners with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and IT to establish data models, workflows, and permissions aligned to AS9100 and CMMC Level 2, and then maintains the system long-term. This role combines configuration expertise, data governance, cross-functional business analysis, and ongoing system administration in a precision-manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:

PLM Implementation & Configuration (Phase 1: Deployment)

• Configure core PLM data structures: part master, document types, EBOM/MBOM, routings, change workflows, quality records, and project templates.
• Establish access controls and permissions aligned with CMMC Level 2 and role-based engineering workflows.
• Work with stakeholders to map existing processes (Visual ERP to LN transition considerations, ECO process, stage-gate NPI).
• Migrate legacy data: parts, assemblies, metadata, revision history, drawings, work instructions, laser safety files, material specs, and inspection plans.
• Develop system integrations, especially:
  • CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo – not heavy usage but required),
  • ERP (Infor Visual, future transition to LN),
  • Manufacturing systems (metrology databases, process travelers),
  • Quality systems (AS9100 documentation).

Ongoing Administration & Governance (Phase 2: Sustaining)

• Serve as the system expert and first point of contact for PLM questions, issues, and development requests.
• Maintain workflows, user accounts, permission roles, and audit logs per CMMC/ITAR.
• Manage change-control processes and ensure consistent use across engineering, operations, and quality teams.
• Create and maintain dashboards, reports, and KPIs (ECO cycle time, BOM accuracy, NPI stage-gate compliance).
• Train new users (engineering, production engineering, quality, suppliers).
• Ensure continuous alignment with AS9100D and cybersecurity requirements.
• Maintain interfaces to CAD/ERP systems and assist IT with upgrades/patches.
• Champion data quality: part numbering rules, revision control, unit standards, attribute consistency.
• Document procedures, WI’s, and system configuration for internal audits.

Process Improvement

• Identify inefficiencies and propose structured improvements to workflows, NPI processes, BOM release flows, etc.
• Partner with Operations and Quality to improve MBOM accuracy, routings, tool lists, and traveler generation.
• Support digital transformation initiatives such as model-based definition (MBD), paperless travelers, and metrology data capture.

Experience/Qualification:

Required

• 3–7 years experience administering a PLM system.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes for optics and precision assemblies (optics, opto-mechanical components, coatings, metrology data).
• Experience with CMMC Level 2 or ITAR-compliant system administration.
• Working knowledge of CAD systems and ERP integrations (preferably Infor Visual or LN).
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and IT.

Preferred

• Experience with Aras Innovator configuration (methods, forms, workflows).
• Experience in AS9100-regulated, multi-site manufacturing.
• Scripting ability in SQL, JavaScript, or Python for light automation.
• Experience supporting cloud environments, especially Azure.
• Familiarity with optical manufacturing workflows: lens molding, metrology, coating travelers, and assembly BOM structures.
• Experience supporting supplier portals and secure external collaboration.

Knowledge, ability and skills:

• Experience configuring PLM data schemas, workflows, lifecycle states, permissions, and integrations.
• Strong understanding of BOM management, revision control, part numbering systems, and change management.
• Strong documentation and training ability.