Director of Optics Production: Scale & Deliver Excellence

Ladders; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 292,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Health & recovery support

Employee development opportunities

Job summary

Ladders is seeking a Director of Production, Optics for a leader in the Aerospace & Defense space in Waltham, MA. The role owns production execution for optical imaging product lines, guiding the transition from development into full-rate manufacturing.

You will build scalable operations, remove bottlenecks, and partner with engineering, quality, and senior leadership to meet demanding delivery, quality, and safety expectations in a highly technical environment. Location: Waltham, MA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in optical or complex electro-mechanical production, with 3+ years in senior leadership.
• Experience scaling production of optical assemblies or imaging systems, preferably in defense or aerospace.
• Knowledge of optical assembly processes and clean room environments.
• Experience with ERP, MRP, MES, and Lean manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Own production outcomes for optical imaging product lines
• Lead cross-functional teams to achieve production goals and deadlines
• Drive the processes needed to move products from development into full-rate production
• Oversee production operations, including technicians and staff supporting assembly and delivery
• Manage visibility and flow across the end-to-end value stream, identifying bottlenecks and implementing improvements
• Advise on and implement digital technologies to scale production operations
• Ensure adherence to quality and safety standards in clean room environments
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and production capacity
• Provide updates to senior leadership on production status and resource needs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP/MES systems

Job description

Ladders is seeking a Director of Production, Optics for a leader in the Aerospace & Defense space in Waltham, MA. The role owns production execution for optical imaging product lines, guiding the transition from development into full-rate manufacturing.

You will build scalable operations, remove bottlenecks, and partner with engineering, quality, and senior leadership to meet demanding delivery, quality, and safety expectations in a highly technical environment. Location: Waltham, MA.