Head of Manufacturing - Lead the Scale-Up of Advanced Optical Hardware Production!

Gardena, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

A rapidly growing deep-tech startup in Southern California is seeking a Head of Manufacturing to lead the development and scaling of its production operations. The company is building advanced hardware platforms that leverage cutting-edge optical technologies expected to play a central role in next-generation computing, communications, and sensing systems. This role will oversee manufacturing strategy and factory execution as the organization transitions from early production into larger-scale manufacturing. The Head of Manufacturing will drive the design of automated production systems, optimize yield and throughput, and build the engineering organization required to sustain growth. This position is ideal for someone who has scaled complex hardware manufacturing environments and enjoys balancing strategic system design with hands-on problem-solving on the factory floor.

About Us

We are an emerging technology company focused on enabling the next generation of advanced hardware platforms through innovations in optical systems and high-precision manufacturing. Our mission is to bring advanced technologies out of the lab and into scalable production environments that can support widespread adoption across multiple industries. Our team combines expertise across engineering, manufacturing, and automation to build reliable production systems capable of delivering complex electro-mechanical and optical assemblies at scale.

Job Duties

• Lead manufacturing engineering strategy and overall production execution across the factory, including line ramp, capacity planning, and readiness for new product introductions
• Develop and deploy automated production cells for precision optical and electro-mechanical assemblies, integrating robotics, alignment technologies, inspection systems, and automated testing
• Partner with product, mechanical, optical, and process engineering teams to transition new products into manufacturing while driving design for manufacturability and design for assembly improvements
• Establish scalable production workflows including line layout, material flow, traceability systems, and inventory management to support increasing production volumes
• Oversee factory data infrastructure and hardware-side MES integration to enable real-time performance tracking, traceability, and data-driven decision making
• Track and improve core factory performance metrics including yield, cycle time, uptime, throughput, scrap rates, and equipment reliability
• Build and lead the manufacturing engineering organization including production engineering and operational leadership roles as the factory grows
• Work closely with supply chain and procurement teams to qualify components and materials while ensuring supplier quality meets production targets
• Develop and maintain process documentation including control plans, qualification procedures, and standardized manufacturing instructions

Qualifications

• Experience scaling automated production lines beyond pilot builds and early NPI into stable, high-volume manufacturing environments
• Strong background in automation integration, production system architecture, and automated manufacturing cell design
• Demonstrated ownership of production ramp performance including yield improvement and throughput optimization in complex hardware manufacturing
• Experience building and managing manufacturing engineering teams including hiring, mentoring, and organizational development
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with product development, mechanical engineering, and process engineering groups
• Experience implementing or expanding manufacturing execution systems and production data infrastructure
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with a data-driven approach to improving factory performance
• Willingness to work extended hours or weekends when necessary to support production milestones

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with micron-scale assembly, optical alignment systems, or chip and die level packaging processes
• Background in semiconductor, photonics, advanced packaging, or high precision electro-optical manufacturing environments
• Experience scaling manufacturing operations in fast growing hardware companies including launching new production lines or facilities
• Experience integrating factory automation technologies such as robotic handling systems, machine vision inspection, and in-line metrology tools
• Familiarity with statistical process control, process capability analysis, and reliability testing methodologies
• Experience managing relationships with equipment vendors and integrators for specialized or custom manufacturing tools
• Experience operating in cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environments

Why Join Us

• Opportunity for growth within a rapidly expanding deep-tech company
• Work at the forefront of advanced optical hardware and manufacturing innovation
• High ownership environment with the ability to shape factory strategy and operations
• Collaborative engineering culture focused on solving complex technical challenges
• Flexible work environment
• Strong PTO policy
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401k retirement plan
• Equity participation opportunities

Compensation Details

Salary range: $170,000 - $210,000

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