Production Manager - Optics

The Opportunity

Talent Aligned is proud to partner with a global leader in the design and manufacture of cutting-edge optical communication and testing technology. Operating out of a world-class facility in Sydney, our client is a true pioneer, exporting sophisticated instrumentation products to the global market.

We are seeking a Production Manager to lead the manufacturing operations for their Instruments division. This is a role for a technically-grounded leader who understands that in the world of high-precision photonics, quality and efficiency are driven by both robust processes and a highly motivated team.

The Role

As the Production Manager, you will oversee the end-to-end manufacturing process for complex optical products. You will be responsible for ensuring that production targets are met with uncompromising quality, leading a multidisciplinary team of technicians, engineers, and operators.

Key responsibilities include:

• Team Leadership: Managing personnel through goal setting, motivation, and professional development. You will foster a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

• Operational Planning: Setting the production Build Plan, scheduling shifts, and coordinating activities to meet fluctuating customer demand.

• Technical Oversight: Supervising high-precision processes such as optical alignment, mechanical assembly, and die/wire bonding for laser chips.

• Optimization and Yield: Monitoring output against plan, identifying bottlenecks, and addressing issues affecting yield and throughput.

• Safety and Standards: Maintaining strict adherence to OHS standards, specifically regarding laser safety, fiber handling, and ISO 9000 quality management systems.

• Systems Management: Ensuring effective use of MES, inventory control, and planning systems to maintain a seamless flow of materials and products.

Your Toolkit

You are a seasoned manufacturing leader with a background in engineering and a deep understanding of precision instrumentation. To be successful, you will need:

• Academic Foundation: A degree in an Engineering discipline.

• Technical Expertise: Familiarity with light measurement (wavelength, phase, polarization) and the use of instruments such as Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA).

• Lean Manufacturing: A strong grasp of Lean principles, including 5S Methodology, Takt time, Gemba, and single-piece flow.

• Precision Manufacturing Knowledge: Experience with ESD protocols, UV/thermal curing epoxies, and precision assembly procedures.

• Leadership Experience: A minimum of 3 years in a leadership role within an engineering or manufacturing environment, with a proven ability to lead change and build high-performing teams.

• Analytical Rigor: The ability to interpret wiring diagrams and CAD models, using data to drive decision-making and process refinements.

The Rewards

Our client offers a professional, down-to-earth environment where technical innovation is at the forefront of everything they do.

• Global Impact: Lead a team producing hardware that powers the world's most advanced communication networks.

• Career Growth: Join a company that prioritizes learning and development, providing you with the tools to further your career in high-tech manufacturing.

• Innovative Culture: Work in a collaborative site where R&D and production coexist, allowing for a direct impact on product evolution.

• Competitive Package: A salary reflective of your specialist expertise and leadership capability.

How to Align Your Future

If you are a production leader with a passion for precision engineering and a track record of operational excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your application via the link provided. For a confidential discussion regarding this or other technology leadership roles, please contact the team at Talent Aligned via our website.