Director of Manufacturing Operations

Job Description

Block Engineering is a manufacturer of infrared lasers and chemical detection systems for safety, security, and life sciences applications. Block is the proud winner of two Photonics West Prism Awards and the Milipol Paris Innovation Award. The company is headquartered in Southborough, Massachusetts in the greater Boston metro area.

Block is seeking a hands-on Director of Manufacturing Operations who will manage the production of Block’s lasers and spectrometers. Primary responsibilities will include oversight of on-site manufacturing and assembly, transition of supply chain functions to an ERP/MRP system, and management of contract manufacturing resources.

The position will be fully on-site at Block Engineering’s office in Southborough, MA.

Responsibilities will include:

• Manage the in-house and contract manufacturing of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) and laser-based spectrometers. These include electro-mechanical and opto-mechanical components.
• Directly manage manufacturing, assembly, and supply chain personnel.
• Work with engineering groups to facilitate the successful transfer of new products to manufacturing.
• Manage ERP/MRP implementation of all supply chain and purchasing functions.
• Ensure that manufacturing documentation is current and is maintained to include drawing, engineering change orders, and manufacturing procedures.
• Oversee the design and implementation of equipment, fixtures, and procedures to minimize labor and increase yields.
• Implement quality control and testing procedures for purchased parts.

Ideal Candidate Characteristics:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field. A Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing management, preferably within the analytical instruments, optoelectronics, or photonics industries.
• Strong expertise with ERP/MRP systems used for supply chain management and production scheduling.
• Experience analyzing yields, production costs, and processes.
• Experience working with small teams in a fast paced environment.
• Experience with lasers or laser-based systems is a plus.