Director Of Manufacturing OperationsAt nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR). The Director of Manufacturing Operations is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of semiconductor laser assembly production. This role ensures operational excellence by managing strategic planning, production execution, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve world-class standards in quality, delivery, efficiency, and safety.
The director drives continuous improvement and innovation, supporting the company's growth and competitiveness in both military and commercial markets.ResponsibilitiesManages strategic and tactical aspects of semiconductor laser assembly production for medium-to-high-volume production of ruggedized military & commercial productsEstablishes production schedules with planning and business groups and executes against schedule to meet goals for revenue, on-time delivery and lead-timeProvides supervision and leadership to direct reports including employee performance management, motivating and facilitating continuous learning and development, conducting annual performance appraisals, and providing timely feedback and recognition.Meets aggressive, world-class goals on quality, cycle time, yield and costLeads global multi-disciplinary teams to deliver new products, sustaining engineering, and NPI of laser-based product lines as part of key strategy in vertically integrated organization.Analyzes bottlenecks and establishes sufficient capacity to cost-effectively meet production demandsDrives continuous improvement opportunities and yield metrics utilizing wide variety of analytical techniques (such as FMEA, SPC, DOE, Gage R&R, 8D), lean manufacturing, and six sigma concepts.Coordinates with facilities, including maintenance and build-outs, for optimal uptime and costInterfaces with senior leadership and various support functions such as Supply Chain, Development Engineering, Quality, Finance, HR, and IT as required to establish plans and execute against themCollaborates with R&D to analyze competition, market trends, emerging technology and drives strategic engineering projects into production as capable products & processes.Ensures strong safety program in placeManages and motivates direct staffBuilds upon ISO9001:2000 certified quality management system in placeQualificationsRequires a BS in Engineering (Optical, Physics, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical) and 10+ years high-tech manufacturing experience with at least five years in a managerial role, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.MS in Engineering or Business is preferred.8+ years of experience in product & process development, NPI or process control of laser systems/photonic components8+ years of experience working for company providing products for US Defense and/or Government Contracting.Working knowledge of FAR/DFAR requirements, and ITAR-compliant operationsSkilled in implementing and utilizing lean manufacturing, SPC, ERP, and MRP systemsStrong business and people skills, including strategic thinking, executive communication, and basic business financial acumenStrong record of developing and transferring products and processes related to laser systems and photonic componentsStrong record of effective judgement and decisiveness, clear thinking, problem solving through structured methodologiesStrong situational leadership skills, record of developing great teams and strong hiresSets very strong culture of accountability, disciplined thinking, integrity and expectations, leads by exampleAPICS CPIM experience is preferred, but not requiredSix Sigma Black Belt is preferred, but not requiredStrong communication skillsExcellent team playerDemonstrated ability to protect confidential and proprietary information and exercise discretion.Ability to travel up to 15%nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Starting pay depends on qualifications:Director of Manufacturing Operations: $160,000 - $185,000 annuallyTarget Cash Bonus of 15% of earned wagesEligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year10 paid HolidaysEligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start dateMedical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay periodFlexible Spending and Health Savings AccountsEmployee Stock Purchase Plan401(k) with company match and immediate vestingCompany paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D InsuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramAflac Supplemental InsurancePaid Bereavement Leave and Jury DutyTuition Assistance ProgramPet Insurance
Director of Manufacturing Operations - Hillsboro in hillsboro at Unknown Company
This position is listed as contract and onsite.