Director of Production, Optics

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

For our client, we are seeking a Director of Production, Optics to join the team of a leader in the Aerospace & Defense space.

This leader will own production execution for optical imaging product lines, guiding the transition from development into full-rate manufacturing. The role is focused on building scalable operations, improving end-to-end flow, and ensuring the team can meet demanding delivery, quality, and safety expectations. You will partner closely with engineering, quality, and senior leadership to remove bottlenecks, strengthen processes, and support production growth in a highly technical environment.

Location: Waltham, MA

Compensation: $220,000 – $292,000 annually

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in optical or complex electro-mechanical production, including 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
• Expertise with ERP, MRP, and MES systems, along with Lean manufacturing principles
• Ability to interpret technical documentation and troubleshoot processes
• Proven track record in employee development and mentorship
• Exceptional communication skills and strong attention to detail

Benefits

• Comprehensive, competitive benefits package at little to no cost to employees
• Support for health and recovery needs
• Investment in employee development and well-being

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification—your background could be exactly what this team needs.