Production Manager - Fiber

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

This position provides leadership, guidance, and supervision for the assigned area(s). This individual works closely with management to ensure quality products are safely and efficiently produced within the scheduled timeline. This position supervises all employees in the assigned area(s) and is responsible for their hiring, training, and performance management. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Management of Production Supervisors
• Manage Resources of assigned department(s) to ensure Capacity meets anticipated Demand
• Participate in Supply Chain Management of Raw Materials and Make/Buy Products
• Comply with safety regulations including but not limited to chemical handling, personal protective equipment and equipment utilization.
• Supervision of all personnel within the assigned group including training, assuring production goals are met
• Oversight of product output, ensuring that practices and procedures followed are in accordance with Thorlabs Quality Management System and Advanced Photonics Instructions.
• Responsible for frequent checks of product quality and resolves production any resulting quality issues that may arise.
• Work with Production Planning/Purchasing to establish and maintain a schedule that optimizes On Time Delivery.

• Advise on design and lead times for Custom and OEM products to ensure on time deliveries.
• Manage system to ensure consumables and assembly supplies are accounted for and always available.

• Report problems and opportunities for improvement to Engineering team and help to implement solutions. o Partner with Facility Engineering to perform Preventative Maintenance and minimize downtime.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities: Work may be active, could stand or sit for long durations and/or perform repetitious work at times. The employee may lift or move objects up to 20 pounds. Employees must grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts and components that are often very small. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, may be noisy at times. Must be able to wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment such as but not limited to masks, glasses, gloves, and specialty garments. The required PPE and training allow for the safe handling and processing of chemicals like adhesives, lubricants and solvents, and safe operation of jobrelated equipment and tools.

Requirements

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a similar position with supervisory/leadership experience.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, organizational and decision-making skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills: basic math skills and proficient in using a computer
• Trouble shooting and problem-solving skills
• General Industrial Safety knowledge
• Ability to shift from one task to another to address changing production priorities.

Pay range for this position is $111,000-$154,000 depending on experience

Direct Reports: This position manages all employees of the department and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the em