Manufacturing Operations Manager

Location:
Greater New Brunswick Area, NJ

Employment Type:
Full-Time/Direct hire

Work type:
Onsite

Compensation: $150,000 + bonus

** Relocation assistance available for non-local candidates**

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead final test operations for large-scale, complex electromechanical equipment in a highly technical manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for driving safety, quality, delivery, cost, workforce development, and continuous improvement across Final Test. The Manufacturing Operations Manager will lead a team of approximately 15–17 technicians while balancing production schedules, customer commitments, resource requirements, troubleshooting priorities, and product quality.

The ideal candidate brings a combination of strong manufacturing leadership and enough technical depth to actively engage on the production floor. This is not a desk-based management role. The individual should be comfortable working around sophisticated equipment, helping teams troubleshoot issues, escalating problems, and driving systematic corrective action.

• Lead Final Test operations to achieve quarterly and annual production goals while meeting safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Manage and develop a team of Final Test technicians, including training, mentoring, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Prioritize Final Test schedules and resources based on customer requirements, design releases, material availability, and production commitments.
• Develop staffing and manpower plans based on production forecasts, product mix, and operational requirements.
• Support annual budgeting and resource planning while managing forecasted expenses and inventory targets.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement utilizing 8D problem solving, Lean principles, root cause analysis, 5 Whys, value stream mapping, and 5S.
• Strengthen processes surrounding workflow planning, production tracking, troubleshooting, and corrective actions.
• Establish closed-loop feedback on quality escapes and field/customer issues to support corrective action.
• Track and present key performance indicators, lessons learned, production performance, and corrective actions.
• Identify gaps in production processes and implement sustainable improvements.
• Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and other teams to resolve production and technical issues.
• Support new product development and introduction activities.
• Manage the flow of components and assemblies to support production schedules.
• Make recommendations regarding tools, equipment, staffing, and other resources required by the production organization.
• Maintain a visible, hands-on presence on the manufacturing floor and assist with troubleshooting and issue escalation.
• Drive continued improvement of safety policies, practices, and procedures.
• Support production requirements that may occasionally require flexibility around shifts, nights, or weekends.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business with 10+ years of relevant production experience; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience working with large-scale, complex electromechanical equipment or systems.
• Experience with ERP systems required; SAP preferred.
• Experience implementing and sustaining Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and 5S initiatives.
• Strong hands-on manufacturing and troubleshooting orientation.
• Experience managing teams in technically complex manufacturing environments.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Semiconductor capital equipment manufacturing
• Complex, low-volume/high-mix manufacturing
• Final Test, Systems Test, Integration, or Equipment Test operations
• RF power, pumps, sensors, PLCs, valves, and/or mass flow controllers
• Semiconductor fab equipment or fab systems operations
• Semiconductor equipment installation or field service leadership
• 8D, root cause analysis, Lean, 5 Whys, and structured troubleshooting
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and commuter benefits
• Life, accident, and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), identity theft remediation, and emergency travel assistance