**Optical Precision Manufacturing Lead
**
**Location:
** Adrian, Michigan
**About the Position
**
This is a hands-on manufacturing leadership role responsible for driving production performance, quality, and process excellence within a highly precise manufacturing environment. You will lead a team of technicians and operators while developing scalable manufacturing processes that support consistent quality, throughput, and operational execution.
The ideal person enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, developing high-performing teams, and creating the structure and discipline required to achieve world-class production results. This role offers the opportunity to build and improve manufacturing systems supporting advanced technologies where precision, repeatability, and quality are critical to overall product performance.
**Responsibilities
**
Lead, develop, and mentor a team of technicians and operators within a precision manufacturing environment
Drive production performance to meet schedule, quality, yield, and delivery objectives
Establish and optimize scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes
Reduce variability, scrap, and rework through disciplined process control and operational rigor
Strengthen documentation, standard work, process controls, and manufacturing procedures
Partner cross-functionally with engineering, assembly, quality, and production teams to drive operational improvements
Lead structured root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts to resolve production issues
Identify process bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and throughput
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, and manufacturing excellence
Maintain safe, organized, and high-performing production environments
**Who You Are
**
Most effective leading teams on the manufacturing floor rather than from behind a desk
Comfortable making decisions in fast-paced environments where priorities evolve quickly
Highly analytical with a structured approach to troubleshooting and problem-solving
Earn credibility through technical competence, accountability, and follow-through
Passionate about building processes that are repeatable, scalable, and sustainable
Driven to develop people, improve systems, and continuously raise performance standards
**Experience Requirements
**
5+ years of experience in precision manufacturing environments such as aerospace, medical devices, machining, advanced manufacturing, or related industries
Demonstrated experience leading technicians, operators, or manufacturing teams
Track record of driving measurable operational improvements in quality, yield, throughput, or efficiency
Experience implementing and maintaining manufacturing processes, documentation, and production standards
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and root cause analysis capabilities
Comfortable operating in high-mix, high-precision, or technically complex production environments
**What You Bring
**
Strong manufacturing leadership experience with a focus on accountability, quality, and execution
Ability to identify sources of variation and implement sustainable corrective actions
Experience developing standard work, process controls, and operational procedures
Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across multiple functional groups
Data-driven mindset with the ability to make informed operational decisions
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
**Preferred Qualifications
**
Exposure to optics, metrology, precision surface manufacturing, or highly technical production environments
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
Experience supporting production scale-up efforts or transitioning products from development into production
Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies and precision measurement systems
Experience working closely with engineering teams on process development and manufacturability improvements
**What Success Looks Like
**
**Production Performance
**
Within the first six months, production schedules are being met more consistently, operational bottlenecks have been identified, and key manufacturing metrics are improving.
**Process Stability
**
Manufacturing processes are more repeatable, variability has been reduced, and documented standards are actively being followed on the floor.
**Team Development
**
The production team is operating with greater accountability, engagement, and technical capability while maintaining high quality standards.
**Quality Improvement
**
Measurable reductions in scrap, rework, and production-related quality issues have been achieved through structured process improvements.
**Operational Excellence
**
You are recognized as a trusted manufacturing leader who consistently drives execution, develops people, and delivers sustainable operational results.
You should be proficient in: