Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. is currently recruiting for the position of Production Manager. The Production Manager is responsible for leading our assembly and test teams in our
low volume, high mix environment. This role will oversee the production of a wide variety products in small batches, ensuring on-time delivery, high quality, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement.
$115,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year, DOE
On-site, M-F
Responsibilities:Supervisory Responsibilities:- Manages and trains supervisor of assembly team
- Manages and trains supervisor of test technician team
- Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
- Handles employee performance in accordance with company policy.
Duties/Responsibilities:- Lead and develop the production team (supervisors, leads, and operators) to achieve daily, weekly, and monthly production goals while maintaining safety, quality, and efficiency standards.
- Develop and manage flexible production schedules that accommodate frequent changeovers, varying product routings, and customer-driven priorities in a high-mix environment.
- Implement and adapt lean manufacturing principles tailored to HMLV operations, focusing on systems for visibility, accountability, and problem-solving rather than rigid standardization.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, first-pass yield, and scrap/rework rates; drive corrective actions and process improvements.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, and sales teams to resolve production issues, incorporate design changes, and support new product introductions (NPI).
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies.
- Manage production budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for efficiency gains in a low-volume setting.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, employee engagement, and cross-training to build workforce flexibility.
- Oversee maintenance and upkeep of equipment to support high variability in production runs.
Required Skills/Abilities:- Expertise in managing frequent job changes, custom orders, and shifting priorities.
- Strong team building, coaching, and communication skills; ability to develop semi-skilled and skilled workforce.
- Structured root-cause analysis and data-driven decision making.
- Understand the complexity of manufacturing processes in the high-tech equipment industry, ISO quality system, ability to layout manufacturing cells and supply chain coordination.
- Proficiency with production metrics, scheduling software, and basic financial analysis.
- Commitment to regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret engineering schematics and manufacturing drawings, professional journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedures.
Education and Experience:- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- 5-10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, with at least 3-5 years specifically in low volume, high mix (HMLV)
- Knowledge and success implementing lean tools (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping).
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems for production planning and inventory control in variable-demand settings.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through change, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced, customer-focused operation.
Due to US Export Control Regulations compliance, eligible candidates MUST be a US citizen, permanent resident or a person who has been granted asylum; proper documentation required. Pre-employment verifications: must pass background, reference and ITAR/EAR checks in addition to a pre-employment drug screen.
This position offers many benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, HSA, FSA, alternate workweek schedule, LTD, life insurance and much more.
