Optical Blanking Engineering Manager
About The Position
The Germanium (Ge) Blanking Department Manager is responsible for the leadership, technical oversight, and operational performance of the Ge Blanking Department within the Surveillance Precision Optics organization. This position provides hands‑on engineering support for optics blank manufacturing processes and drives continuous improvement initiatives across all aspects of Ge blank manufacturing. The role ensures that manufacturing processes, documentation, and equipment support the production of high‑quality optical components while meeting cost, schedule, and performance requirements. This position will initially manage 3-4 Technicians and is expected to scale to a team of approximately 8–12+ Technicians as the organization grows.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
- Minimum of 5–10+ years of relevant hands‑on manufacturing experience, preferably in optics or precision machining.
- Demonstrated experience leading technicians or production teams and prior people leadership experience
- Experience with optical fabrication methods, including ID saw slicing, diamond wire sawing, CNC milling, and CNC curve generation.
- Familiarity with optical metrology, quality assurance practices, and applicable military specifications.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks, MasterCAM, Microsoft Office, and database systems.
- Proven ability to improve product quality, enhance production effectiveness, and reduce manufacturing costs.
- Strong background in process development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
- Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, legal permanent resident, asylee, refugee or must be eligible to apply for and obtain the appropriate export control license from the U.S. Departments of State or Commerce.
Nice To Haves
- LEAN training or certification preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct, hands‑on engineering support for all optics blank manufacturing processes with an emphasis on maximizing Ge material utilization and minimizing touch labor.
- Supervise the operation, troubleshoot, and optimize production equipment and processes to ensure consistent output and adherence to specifications.
- Develop, review, and update manufacturing processes, methods, and documentation, including work instructions, procedures, and test plans as required.
- Design and implement tooling, fixtures, and process aids to support manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
- Utilize metrology equipment to evaluate component performance, validate processes, and support quality assurance activities.
- Initiate and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction, throughput improvement, cost reduction, and LEAN methodologies.
- Coordinate the collection, monitoring and management of Ge recycling.
- Investigate production-related failures and provide corrective actions.
- Initiate/lead process improvements projects; activities coordinated with operations.
- Support planning and scheduling of work through the cell.
- Provide direction, guidance, and support to production personnel and Technicians.
- Ensure compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
