Director of Production, Optics

ABOUT THE JOB

The Director of Production, Optics will own all production outcomes for Optics production for the Imaging Business Line. the production organization responsible for building and delivering precision optical assemblies for advanced defense systems. This role requires both frontline technical leadership and strong people management — you will be responsible for the team, the output, and the operational health of the optical production value stream. Success demands consistent achievement across team development, on-time delivery, quality, cost, and continuous improvement, ensuring execution of mission-critical optical products.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Production Ownership & Strategy: Own all production outcomes for the Optics Production across Imaging product lines, including ramp plans, headcount, and the standing up of new manufacturing lines. Develop and execute a long-term strategy to rapidly scale production volumes to full-rate production.
• Leadership & Team Management: Serve as a strategic leader and tactical do-er, driving all people and resources across production to achieve outcomes. Lead cross-functional teams (including Production, Supply Chain, Quality, and Manufacturing Engineering) through strong leadership, advocacy, and a consistent on-site presence, holding them accountable to meeting demands, deadlines, and goals.
• Operational Excellence: Drive processes and systems needed throughout the product development lifecycle to mature products to full-rate production. Establish and manage the team to key performance indicators (KPIs) for financial, quality, and on-time delivery to optimize manufacturing operations' impact on the business.
• Own Production Operations: Oversee the production of optical product lines, managing a team of technicians and production staff to ensure efficient assembly, test, and delivery of imaging and optical hardware. Drive daily and weekly production execution across optical assembly lines and the supporting supply base, ultimately owning all production outcomes across delivery, cost, and quality targets in the Operating plan.
• Value Stream Management: Own visibility and flow across the end-to-end value stream — from supplier material deliveries through internal optical assembly, test, and shipment. Identify bottlenecks, drive root-cause resolution, and implement process improvements to increase throughput and reduce cycle time.
• Process & Technology Advancement: Advise on development and oversee the implementation of digital technologies, from PLM and ERP to our custom MES and QMS systems, that enable our production operations to efficiently scale while meeting customer requirements. Shape corporate tools and processes to support the unique needs of aerospace production.
• Champion Quality & Safety: Ensure quality and safety standards are followed across clean room and optical assembly environments, minimizing defects and fostering a safe working environment.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Lead 5S, Lean manufacturing, and other continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, optimize workflows, and scale production capacity.
• Strategic Communication: Provide regular updates to senior leadership on production status, risks, and resource needs. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with engineering, supply chain, quality, and program management.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in optical or complex electro-mechanical production, with 3+ years in a senior production leadership.
• Demonstrated experience standing up, scaling and managing production of optical assemblies, precision hardware, or imaging systems — defense, aerospace, or adjacent industries strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of optical assembly processes, clean room manufacturing environments, and optical test and inspection methods.
• Proven expertise with ERP, MRP, and MES systems, coupled with a strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, NPI, and change management (ECOs).
• Ability to interpret complex technical documentation (drawings, schematics, work instructions) and troubleshoot processes and equipment.
• Demonstrated success in employee development, coaching, and mentorship.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, highly organized, and detail-oriented.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.