Production Lead 2 - AOI (Day Shift)

Unigen Corporation; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Unigen Corporation in Newark, CA is seeking an AOI/AXI Lead to oversee daily AOI/AXI operations, develop the inspection team, and drive improvements in yield and quality. The role is onsite in Newark, CA, and requires strong leadership and deep IPC-A-610/SMT process knowledge.

You will manage shifts, set priorities, monitor metrics, and coordinate with Engineering and vendors to minimize downtime while supporting NPI and process improvements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years AOI/AXI experience in electronics manufacturing.
• Strong leadership or team-lead experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Expert knowledge of IPC-A-610 and SMT processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and support AOI/AXI inspectors across shifts.
• Monitor team performance, productivity, and quality metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement in inspection programs and yield.
• Partner with Engineering to ensure IPC and customer requirements are met.
• Provide training and performance feedback to AOI staff.

Skills

AOI/AXI leadership

Root cause analysis

Training & mentoring

Communication skills

Problem solving

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full-Time Newark, CA, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1577

Salary Range: $30.00 To $35.00 Hourly

About Unigen

Unigen is a global technology company providing innovative electronics manufacturing and product solutions to customers across diverse industries. With decades of industry experience and operations in key global markets, we combine engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and responsive customer service to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions—from product development through production and fulfillment.

Location and Work Arrangement

This position is based in Newark, California and is onsite.

Benefits

Unigen offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan; paid time off; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities. Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable plan terms.

Job Overview:

The AOI/AXI Lead serves as the primary leader and technical authority for the AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) and AXI (Automated X-ray Inspection) function. This role is responsible for overseeing daily AOI/AXI operations, leading and developing the AOI inspection team, and driving continuous improvement in inspection effectiveness, yield performance, and quality outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead, coordinate, and support AOI/AXI inspectors across shifts.
• Assign priorities and manage workload distribution based on production needs.
• Monitor team performance, productivity, and quality metrics.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for AOI/AXI issues.
• Support hiring input, onboarding, and performance feedback for AOI staff.

2. Program Optimization & Development

• Oversee creation, validation, and maintenance of AOI/AXI programs.
• Standardize programming methodologies across the team.
• Optimize programs to maximize detection and reduce false calls.
• Partner with Engineering to ensure inspection coverage meets IPC and customer requirements.

3. Advanced Defect Analysis

• Lead investigations into recurring or high-impact defects.
• Drive structured root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Track defect trends and communicate findings to cross-functional teams.

4. Process Improvement Leadership

• Identify and implement improvements that enhance yield, throughput, and inspection accuracy.
• Lead measurable improvement initiatives tied to KPIs.
• Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.

5. NPI (New Product Introduction) Support

• Own AOI/AXI readiness for NPI builds.
• Ensure programs are validated prior to production release.
• Provide DFM feedback from an inspection and quality perspective.

6. Technical Troubleshooting

• Lead resolution of machine, programming, and software issues.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to minimize downtime.
• Promote preventive maintenance best practices.

7. Training & Development

• Develop structured training plans for AOI/AXI inspectors.
• Ensure consistent certification and competency levels.
• Mentor junior team members and build technical depth within the team.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years AOI/AXI experience in electronics manufacturing.
• Strong leadership or team-lead experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Expert knowledge of IPC-A-610 and SMT processes.
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and training skills.