Principal Volume Production Engineer

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

• $100K — $130K *
East Granby, CT 06026In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical, Chemical, Ceramic, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in product, process, or manufacturing engineering in a complex environment.
  • Proven background in manufacturing-line start-up and process transfer.
  • Experience in fiber optics or similar fields; direct fiber-draw experience preferred.
  • Strong skills in data analysis methods including DOE, SPC, and Lean/Six Sigma.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the scale-up of Optical Fiber manufacturing from R&D to high-volume production.
  • Define and optimize manufacturing workflows and equipment needs.
  • Commission and qualify production equipment and processes.
  • Drive improvements in yield, throughput, and costs using data-driven approaches.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support manufacturability and product readiness.
  • Develop SOPs and technical documentation for production staff.
  • Mentor team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Benefits

  • Collaborative and inclusive work culture.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
  • Engagement in innovative projects in the fiber optics field.
  • Access to the latest technology and industry advancements.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the transfer and scale-up of the current Optical Fiber manufacturing process into a stable, repeatable high-volume manufacturing line.
  • Define manufacturing flows, equipment and tooling needs, critical process parameters, controls, and acceptance criteria.
  • Commission, debug, and qualify production equipment, tooling, fixtures, and processes through pilot and ramp builds.
  • Improve yield, throughput, cycle time, process capability, scrap, and manufacturing cost using data-driven methods.
  • Lead root-cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
  • Partner with R&D, Product Engineering, Quality, and Operations on manufacturability, process qualification, and product readiness.
  • Develop SOPs, control plans, work instructions, troubleshooting guides, and training for production personnel.
  • Manage scale-up schedules, technical risks, suppliers, performance metrics, and communication with site leadership.


Experience and Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical, Chemical, Ceramic, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.
  • 10+ years of product, process, or manufacturing engineering experience in a complex production environment.
  • Proven experience with manufacturing-line start-up, process transfer, equipment commissioning, qualification, and high-volume ramp.
  • Experience in fiber optics, coating, jacketing, precision materials processing, or similar manufacturing; direct fiber-draw experience is preferred.
  • Strong capability in DOE, SPC, process capability, root-cause analysis, Lean/Six Sigma, and measurable yield, capacity, quality, or cost improvement.


Responsibilities

  • Support the scale-up of Fiber production processes, ensuring smooth transition from R&D to full-scale manufacturing.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize equipment performance and enhance overall productivity.
  • Provide technical guidance and training to personnel at all levels, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Conduct thorough root cause analysis for any production issues, implementing effective solutions.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations, maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in Fiber production technology, driving innovation within the department.
  • Lead and mentor a team of engineers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture.
  • Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation, providing transparent updates on scale-up progress.


Qualifications

  • A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is required, with a Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of successful scale-up projects.
  • In-depth knowledge of Fiber production processes and equipment, along with a strong understanding of industry standards.
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to mentor and motivate a diverse team.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
  • Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for process optimization and data analysis.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery.
  • Willingness to adapt and learn new technologies, staying updated with industry trends.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy and quality.
  • A collaborative mindset, with a track record of successful cross-functional teamwork.


* Ladders Estimates

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