Director of Manufacturing Operations, Test and Assembly

We are looking for an exceptional Director of Manufacturing Operations who will be responsible for System and Module Manufacturing and Test in our Irvine facility.

In this role you will make personnel decisions, establish / drive labor efficiency and cycle time objectives, establish and administer operating budgets, and initiate operational systems process improvements to meet customer commitments and Company objectives.

The focus of this role will be the manufacturing of high performance electro-optical and opto-mechanical assemblies and laser systems. You will do this by :

• Establishing budgets, forecasts and reporting regular fiscal performance to the General Manager
• Setting strategic goals around improving overall gross margin and the reduction of business costs. This will include goals and plans around the : integration of various MKS sites;

optimization of capabilities and groups; improving market competitiveness; establishing centers for excellence and increasing efficiencies and general business performance

• Being an expert in optical assembly, integration of light sources, specialized metrology, and system test
• Developing and driving the use of capacity plans. You will utilize forecasts, orders, and business plans for capital expenditure, tooling and headcount planning.

You will work closely with Sales and Accounting and establish future business plan scenario's that promote greater market share and drive further profitability

Establishing / driving KPI metrics for measuring operational performance including on-time delivery, first-pass yield, warranty returns, production cycle time, quote cycle time, supplier performance, total inventory and inventory turns, COGS, COPQ, etc.

You will review performance on a monthly basis and present to Senior operations management, the General Manager and 'all hands' employees.

You'll be driving continuous improvement activities utilizing lean Manufacturing tools, 6 Sigma, and other improvement methodologies

Material Management - Establish clear strategic direction for Planning and Purchasing. Oversee make / buy analysis, cycle times and Inventory Turns.

Establish Cost Center expense budgets each Quarter and reduce periodic overall spending

Directing all aspects for order configuration : Tooling; SOW; ATP; PFMEA; etc and; making every effort for efficient 'right first time' production.

You will facilitate technical discussions to ensure timely execution. Ensure all possible scenarios for OE have been challenged and documented prior to Order release.

You will ensure maintenance of accurate databases identifying product configuration, process sheets, routers, BOM's, cost standards, lead times, and WIP inventory utilizing the MIS business system (SAP)

• Quoting. You will use your ability to assess labor hours and processes in order to establish cost models. You will revise existing capabilities and nurture new ones to maintain and surpass current gross margin forecasts and ensure lead times are challenging and met
• Manufacturing department oversight. You will plan / direct / establish operating policies for prototype / production, manufacturing / procurement operations including production planning, scheduling, resource allocation (equipment and personnel) and materials management.

You will drive implementation of new processes / capabilities in support of strategic plans.Furthermore, you will drive efficient flows of material throughout the factory, with emphasis on cost improvement, cycle time and work queue reduction.

Finally, you will prioritize production schedules based on customer demand and strategic importance

• Communicating across multi-level boundaries within the organization in order to promote teamwork and concise status for programs.
• This will include external customer interaction and building strong rapport with internal groups such as : Sales; Engineering;

Program leaders; Technicians and Quality Assurance

What will you bring to the team is :

• BA / BS degree in an Engineering discipline (optical design or physics preferred) and 10+ years of progressive experience in optics manufacturing operations management of precision optical components
• Significant operations management skills and experience serving customers.
• Knowledge of Optical assembly methods
• Knowledge / experience implementing ISO9000 quality systems
• Substantial knowledge / training in "best practice" manufacturing methods : Pull Systems, JIT, SPC, Lean Manufacturing, standardized work, and Six Sigma
• Sound leadership, communication and team building skills : writing, presenting, active listening, group problem solving, delegating, empowering, motivating, training, organizing and leading
• A team-oriented approach, assertiveness and strong organization skills. In addition, must be a self-starter, work independently, and take initiative
• Excellent computer skills including experience using MS Office, significant knowledge of MIS business management software packages and implementation, and knowledge of SAP business management software (preferred)

Additional Skill Sets / Competencies preferable :

• Health and Safety experience for Plant management.
• Black or Green Belt in Six Sigma
• Track record for leading Lean teams with CPI events and cross functional team building
• Change Leadership experience with Mentoring, Coaching and Teaching
• Building cross Organizational partnerships
• Ability and adaptability to become a Global thinker
• A sense of urgency and innovation

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

Compensation and Benefits :

Salary Pay Range : $ 150,500.00 - 279,500.00 per year. This range is a good faith esti mate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.

At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Bonus : This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS or as applicable .

Benefits : MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, 6 weeks fully paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc. .

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Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Instruments, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer : diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.

MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at : accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex : RXXXX), the title and location of the role