Sr. Manager - Production

Key ResponsibilitiesProduction Planning & Execution

• Develop and manage production schedules for OES instrument assembly, sub-assembly and final integration
• Coordinate with Procurement/Supply Chain to ensure timely availability of precision components 
• Plan build schedules around customer orders, often configured/customized per customer specification
• Manage capacity for low-volume, high-mix production runs typical of analytical instrumentation

Quality Management

• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 
• Oversee calibration and validation of finished instruments against certified reference materials (CRMs) before dispatch
• Manage optical alignment, spark chamber assembly, and electronic calibration processes to ensure spectral accuracy and repeatability
• Drive root cause analysis and CAPA for instrument failures, calibration drift, or component defects
• Maintain full traceability of optical and electronic components per unit serial number

Cleanroom, ESD & Environmental Controls

• Enforce cleanroom/controlled-environment protocols for optical component handling and assembly (dust-free, temperature/humidity-controlled areas)
• Maintain ESD-safe practices for PCB and electronic module handling
• Ensure proper handling and storage of sensitive optical components (gratings, mirrors, lenses, detectors)

Team Leadership & Workforce Management

• Supervise assembly technicians, optical/electronics specialists, and test/calibration engineers
• Manage staffing across mechanical assembly, optical alignment, electronics integration, and final testing stations
• Provide/coordinate specialized training on optical alignment techniques, spark stand assembly, and instrument calibration procedures
• Conduct performance reviews and build technical bench strength for precision assembly skills

Testing, Calibration & Final Inspection

• Oversee functional testing of each instrument: spark excitation, spectral response, repeatability/reproducibility (R&R) testing against CRMs
• Coordinate burn-in/soak testing and environmental testing (temperature, vibration) as required
• Ensure final Quality Sign-off and Certificate of Calibration/Conformance is issued per unit before shipment
• Manage software/firmware installation and functional verification as part of final build

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure safe handling of argon/inert gas systems, high-voltage excitation circuits, and spark stand components
• Comply with OSHA/EHS regulations for electrical, gas, and optical hazard areas
• Lead safety training specific to high-voltage spark excitation systems and gas handling

Cost & Efficiency Management

• Monitor build costs, component scrap/rework (especially costly optical components), and labor efficiency
• Manage production budget including optical/electronic component costs, which typically carry significant unit value
• Track KPIs: units built, first-pass calibration yield, rework rate, on-time delivery, cycle time per instrument

Equipment & Process Management

• Coordinate with Maintenance/Engineering on optical alignment jigs, test benches, and calibration equipment upkeep
• Support troubleshooting of optical alignment issues, electronic integration faults, and software-hardware interface problems
• Drive continuous improvement in assembly jigs, fixtures, and test automation to improve throughput and consistency

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with R&D/Engineering on new product introduction (NPI), engineering changes, and design-for-manufacturability feedback
• Collaborate with Quality/Applications teams on customer-specific calibration curves and application configurations
• Coordinate with Service/Support teams on field failure feedback to improve production quality
• Liaise with Sales on custom configurations and delivery timelines for customer orders

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain build records, calibration certificates, and test reports per instrument serial number
• Prepare production status reports: output, first-pass yield, calibration pass rate, backlog, and delivery performance
• Ensure documentation supports customer audits and any regulatory/export compliance requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Electronics, Optics/Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 58+ years in precision instrument/electronics manufacturing; experience with analytical/scientific instruments strongly preferred
• Prior exposure to optical systems, spectrometry, or similar precision measurement instrument manufacturing is a strong plus
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001; familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration principles beneficial
• Experience with ERP/MES systems for build tracking and serialized production records
• Understanding of high-voltage/spark excitation systems and gas handling safety is an advantage

Key Skills

• Strong leadership skills in a precision, low-volume/high-mix manufacturing setting
• Technical aptitude in optics, electronics, and instrumentation to effectively guide technical teams
• Strong problem-solving skills for calibration, alignment, and electronic integration issues
• Attention to detail — critical given the precision nature of optical/spectral accuracy
• Data-driven approach to yield, quality, and delivery performance
• Proficiency in ERP systems and quality documentation tools

Work Environment

• Combination of cleanroom/controlled assembly areas and standard electronics/mechanical assembly floor
• Exposure to high-voltage excitation systems, inert gases (argon), and precision optical components
• May require flexibility for customer delivery deadlines and new product launch timelines