Job Overview:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations for Optics, the Director of Optics MPDE will define and execute a manufacturing strategy for the business unit’s Optics product portfolio.  With a team of approximately 30 engineers, this position will work cross-functionally with the Product Management, Product Development, Quality, and Operations teams to develop manufacturing processes for AI and Data Center Optics solutions to meet the business needs around product performance, quality, and cost expectations. 

The role will impact the business by developing diverse engineering talent and manufacturing technologies in a fast-paced, dynamic market, expanding our market position, and promoting growth. 

Responsibilities:

• Ensure that the MPDE teams for the Optics product portfolios develop the process technology and manufacturing strategies needed to meet and exceed both near-term and next-gen objectives
• Managing resources, technical risks, and costs to ensure on-time development of new products.
• Work closely with plant operations teams to ensure successful hand-off of new process technology into high-volume production and sustaining.
• Collaborate across disciplines and functions to gain insight into business and operational goals.  Shape the Operation Manufacturing strategy and create value by deploying effective manufacturing technologies.
• Act as a voting member of project review/approval committees, challenging project teams on execution fidelity to plan and highlighting risks/gaps
• Set relevant and actionable performance goals aligned to the Business Unit strategy, focusing on developing capabilities and increasing efficiency and productivity.
• Build a strong talent pipeline with a focus on talent development and succession planning
• Drive manufacturing cost reduction by aligning MPDE teams to business needs and focusing on DFM & DFC
• Additional responsibilities include interfacing with customers during manufacturing reviews/plant audits and presenting updates/strategies to the senior leadership team.

Requirements Skills:

• Knowledge and experience with manufacturing principles such as automation, fiber attach, assembly, machining, stamping, plating, and molding 
• Experience with new processes and product development for medium to high-volume manufacturing products.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to understand the business’s priorities and align initiatives on the highest impact areas. 
• Ability to influence multiple stakeholders across disciplines to drive and develop business strategies. 
• Strong communication skills 
• Sound foundation of Manufacturing Quality systems and principles
• Ability to multitask and work with multiple cultures and countries 
• Working experience negotiating with equipment suppliers 
• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. 
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally between 20% to 35%
• Location: There is a strong preference for this position to be based in our facility in Rochester, NY. We will offer relocation for the selected candidate if needed.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years leading product/process development organization.
• BS in ME or EE, MS or greater preferred.
• Knowledge of multiple manufacturing domains with a business understanding critical to the success of the role (Desired knowledge in Optical Packaging, Connectors, Stamping, Plating, Molding, Assembly technology or equivalent, Automation, materials-metal alloys & resins)
• 8+ years’ experience with new products/manufacturing process development, verification, and ramping.

• Experience in Optical systems, Fiber attach, connector and/or cable production/assembly is an advantage, but not critical for the position.
• Track record of driving and managing change in a dynamic environment and achieving results by setting high standards and holding people accountable for performance. 
• Proven experience leading and coaching to improve individual and team performance. 
• Proficient in MS Office Software such as Excel, Word, and Outlook 
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma and root-cause tools 
• Self Starter with the capability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic global environment with multiple changing priorities. 

Competencies