Senior Production Manager - Director Manufacturing Operations

 #Eng-IT-01

Position Summary:

Lead and optimize manufacturing operations for semiconductor test and thermal system products. This role combines hands-on engineering expertise, cost management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive production efficiency, quality, and scalability from prototype through mass production. The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background and proven experience in semiconductor or thermal system manufacturing, with a passion for process optimization, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations ensuring adherence to quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Provide engineering-based troubleshooting for thermal, mechanical, and electrical integration issues.
• Maintain equipment performance, calibration, and reliability to support production stability.
• Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
• Monitor production KPIs (yield, efficiency, downtime) and implement improvements based on data analysis.
• Partner with R&D, Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Engineering teams to transition new products from prototype to scalable production.
• Participate in design reviews and apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Lead pilot builds and first-article qualifications, ensuring processes are validated and cost targets achieved.
• Collaborate with engineering to develop assembly methods, tooling, and test fixtures for new designs.
• Manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and ensure proper configuration control.
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks through Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Six Sigma practices.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Establish process capability indices (Cp, Cpk) and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems.
• Drive automation, fixture design, and layout optimization to increase throughput and reduce labor dependency.
• Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making and process discipline.
• Develop, monitor, and control production budgets, including labor, materials, and overhead.
• Analyze and improve cost drivers such as material utilization, yield, and rework.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Engineering to optimize BOM structure, sourcing, and vendor performance.
• Support make-versus-buy and outsourcing decisions through cost-benefit analysis.
• Provide cost variance and margin improvement recommendations to management.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, OSHA, and EHS standards and support internal/external audits.
• Maintain product and process quality consistent with engineering and customer specifications.
• Promote a culture of safety and implement 5S and workplace organization standards.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to drive continuous improvement and defect prevention.
• Lead and mentor engineers, supervisors, and technicians in technical problem-solving and operational excellence.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration among Production, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Develop training programs and succession plans to strengthen team capability.

Required Qualifications:

• BS in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering
• 10+ years of progressive experience in semiconductor, thermal systems, or precision electromechanical manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermal control, vacuum systems, and electro-mechanical integration.
• Demonstrated success in hands-on process optimization, cost management, and NPI implementation.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex production environments.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle) and manufacturing documentation.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with automation, robotics, or smart manufacturing systems.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or PMP.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or other CAD software.
• Familiarity with PLC control systems, sensors, and industrial communication interfaces.
• Hands-on experience using Minitab, Python, or Power BI for production data analysis.
• Experience in managing production in cleanroom or precision assembly environments.
• Exposure to global manufacturing operations and multi-site coordination.