Optical Operations Manager

Making precision optics at the scale needed for large aperture ground based telescope systems is one of the hardest manufacturing challenges in the industry, and very few companies are doing it.

Our client needs a manufacturing manager who can take full ownership of the optics production function, leading a diverse team of technicians and engineers from raw material through coating, test and final installation. This is a floor leadership role for someone who thrives in a high precision, hands on environment and has the people skills to bring a team with them.

The role

You will own the optics production function end to end, taking day to day responsibility for schedule, yield, quality and team performance across a group that works through every stage of the optical manufacturing process, from incoming raw materials through grinding, polishing, coating and final test. You will establish and optimise scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes, drive down variability, scrap and rework through disciplined process control, and strengthen documentation and operational standards.

You will also partner closely with engineering, assembly and coating teams, lead structured root cause analysis on production issues, and ensure the floor is safe, organised and consistently performing. The long term opportunity here is significant, with succession at the senior technical level a genuine consideration as the company scales.

What you'll need

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.