As a Team Lead will effectively lead the 3rd shift Optics manufacturing for Plano operations. You will have managerial responsibilities for 10+ optical technicians. You will ensure safe, on-time delivery of high-quality product to your customers while leading improvements in process and operational effectivity and efficiency. You will continuously seek out, foster, and spearhead improvements to all aspects of your operational area. You will engage in adoption and industrialization of new products and new processes through a strong partnership with Production and Development Engineers. You love being a team player that enjoys the success of team members as much as you enjoy personal success.

Role and responsibilities

• Maintaining alignment of individual, team, and area goals to department and Company objectives.
• Creating employee annual performance goals and coaching and mentoring your team of technicians for daily success.
• Partnering with employees to create professional development action plans.
• Developing competencies within the team that focus on technical skills, continuous improvement, teambuilding, and cross-training.
• With minimal supervision, leading a team of technicians to deliver precision optics while meeting or exceeding department and product Key Performance Indicators. These include, but are not limited to: 5S safety; product first pass yield; on-time delivery; production lead time reduction; labor efficiency and labor hour accuracy; and workforce development and upskilling.
• Anticipating resource requirements and allocating accordingly in order to meet shift goals.
• Creating, maintaining, and monitoring work schedules with clearly defined priorities.
• Transparently highlighting any product or performance issues and escalating requests for help as needed.
• Facilitating identification and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives within your area.
• Partnering with Production Engineering to systematically improve processes for increased efficiency and product quality.
• Displaying structured systematic problem solving, innovative problem resolution, and encouraging new ideas and methods that are applied with rigorous experimentation and change control.
• Leading by example, encourage personal motivation in an effort to achieve world class quality and performance.
• Working effectively with peers across shifts to meet goals and maintain production continuity.
• Communicating effectively to gain buy-in from technicians and influence department leaders.
• Administrative duties including time and attendance record-keeping and performance/merit reviews.
• Administering and enforcing company policies and procedures in a direct and consistent manner.
• Working with Human Resources on disciplinary issues and hiring decisions.

• Bachelor degree desired (in a science or engineering field preferred) OR At least 5 years of supervisory / leadership experience in manufacturing/military or related field OR 5 years of direct optics fabrication experience.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Strong manufacturing operation acumen.
  
• Strong LEAN manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience - you can demonstrate a history of operational improvement through effective collaboration with your employees and across your partner organizations.
• Computer proficiency with MS Outlook 365 applications, with knowledge of SAP or comparable ERP system.
• Familiar with ISO9001 and ISO14001. Direct working experience in a ISO certified environment desirable.
• Prior optical fabrication and Plano manufacturing experience a plus, but not required.

• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and teambuilding skills.
• Strong analytical skills - capable of translating requirements into an executable schedule.
• Strong problem solving skills - able to identify and structurally solve problems in a timely manner.
• Use data and sound judgment in decision making.
• Constructively challenge the status quo in search of a better way.
• Situational leadership skills to balance mandates for urgency with buy-in for structural change.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and manage changing priorities.
• Ability to effectively communicate and engage in one on one and small groups settings of technicians, engineers, and management.

• May be exposed to moving mechanical parts, solvents and tooling.
• May also be exposed to laser energy and magnetic fields.
• Production areas are maintained at 70 to 75 degrees and 35-50% RH.
• The noise level in the manufacturing areas is usually moderate.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Occasional training and Business Meetings on off shifts may be required
• Lifting up to 35 Lbs. may be required.
• Must be willing to work in a clean room environment, wearing coveralls, hoods, booties, masks, safety glasses and gloves for entire duration of shift.