Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced Process Engineering Manager to lead a high-performing engineering team and drive the development, industrialization, and continuous improvement of advanced optical, laser, and fiber assembly processes in a cleanroom manufacturing environment.

This is a key leadership role with responsibility for delivering complex engineering projects from new product introduction (NPI) through production transfer and ramp-up, while ensuring high standards of quality, yield, cost, safety, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will work closely with Design Engineering, Operations, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to develop robust and manufacturable products, resolve complex technical challenges, and drive sustainable process improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team focused on mechanical, optical, laser, and fiber assembly processes within a cleanroom manufacturing environment.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement, problem-solving, and operational excellence using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
Lead engineering projects and ensure successful delivery against scope, budget, schedule, quality, and performance targets.
Lead technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis (RCA) for complex process and production issues, ensuring effective corrective and preventive actions.
Plan and prioritize engineering activities, resources, and critical tasks to ensure smooth daily operations and timely project execution.
Establish engineering controls and training programs to maintain a strong zero-incident safety culture, including laser safety risk assessments and audits.
Monitor RFQ (Request for Quotation) activities and ensure timely closure by tracking and reporting Turnaround Time (TAT).
Lead the successful execution of FAT (Factory Acceptance Test), FLP (First Lot Production), and FAI (First Article Inspection) to meet customer, quality, and manufacturing requirements.
Act as a key technical contact for customer escalations, providing clear technical updates, action plans, and progress reports to customers and management.
Ensure operational readiness and successful project handover to production, including process documentation, equipment, tooling, training, and production controls.
Partner closely with Design Engineering to develop high-quality, manufacturable, and cost-effective product designs.
Apply Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles to optimize product quality, yield, manufacturability, and production efficiency.
Lead process and testing strategy development for New Product Introduction (NPI) and actively participate in design and engineering reviews.
Develop and document manufacturing processes for production transfer, including process risk assessments, tooling, fixtures, and equipment requirements.
Establish robust process controls and support technician development using quality and engineering tools such as SPC, 8D, FMEA, and DOE.
Drive yield improvement, productivity enhancement, cycle-time reduction, and waste elimination initiatives across manufacturing processes.
Lead the development and implementation of measurement and test systems to ensure reliable and accurate process and product performance.
Ensure engineering processes, documentation, equipment, and facilities comply with applicable safety, environmental, quality, life sciences, and semiconductor manufacturing standards.
Maintain high standards of cleanroom discipline, cleanliness, and contamination control across engineering and manufacturing activities.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Optical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum 7 years of process engineering experience in a technical or advanced manufacturing environment, preferably involving optical, laser, fiber, precision mechanical, semiconductor, or cleanroom manufacturing.
At least 3 years of experience in an engineering leadership or people management role.
Proven experience leading engineering teams involved in optical, laser, fiber, or precision assembly product development and manufacturing.
Strong track record in process development, NPI, production transfer, and manufacturing scale-up.
Hands-on experience applying DFM, DOE, FMEA, 8D, SPC, and Lean Six Sigma methodologies to solve technical and manufacturing problems.
Demonstrated success in driving yield improvement, process optimization, productivity, and cost reduction initiatives.
Experience in commissioning and qualifying test and measurement systems for mechanical, optical, laser, or fiber assembly products.
Strong understanding of process controls, quality systems, statistical analysis, and root cause problem-solving.
Experience managing customer communications, technical discussions, and customer escalations.
Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and AS9100 standards and practices.
Knowledge of part number creation, engineering change control (ECN/ECR), configuration management, and technical documentation.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage capital projects, and drive organizational change within a production environment.
Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or above is preferred.
Experience in laser safety, cleanroom operations, or contamination-controlled manufacturing will be an advantage.

Process Engineering Manager (Assembly)