Production Manager

Photo-Sonics; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Photo-Sonics, Inc. in Chatsworth, CA, is seeking a Production Manager to lead manufacturing, assembly, and test operations for low-volume, high-precision tracking mount systems.

You will drive production execution, scale from prototype to full-rate production, and optimize processes to meet schedule and cost targets. The role requires 7–10 years in production management, 50+ staff leadership, and deep ERP/MRP, BOMs, and scheduling expertise.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of production management experience.
• Minimum 5+ years in supervisory roles in manufacturing.
• Experience in AS9100 / ISO 9001 environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily floor operations, assembly workflows, and test schedules for low-rate, technically-complex builds.
• Lead production scaling from prototype to full-rate production and plan prototype builds.
• Refine manufacturing readiness, drive DFMs, and implement lean practices for small-batch environments.
• Partner with quality to resolve DRs and conduct RCCA investigations; implement corrective actions to reduce defects.
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, materials, and purchasing to resolve constraints and maintain material flow.
• Mentor and lead supervisors to foster safety, accountability, and precision.
• Oversee production plans and schedules to align with strategy and delivery timelines; use ERP data to monitor KPIs.

Skills

Production management

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

ERP/MRP

BOMs & routings

Data-driven decisions

Excel dashboards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Photo-Sonics, Inc. is an international leader in state-of-the art optical tracking systems in Chatsworth and has an immediate opening for a Production Manager. We're seeking a multi-disciplinary candidate who is self-motivated and is able to set and meet goals.

This Production Manager leads manufacturing, assembly, and test operations for specialized low-volume high-precision tracking mount systems (15-20 units annually). This role focuses on production execution, process optimization, quality compliance (AS9100), and cross-functional collaboration to ensure tracking mount units are delivered on schedule and within cost limits.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Production Execution:

• Oversee daily floor operations, assembly workflows, and test schedules for low-rate, technically-complex builds

Production Scaling:

• Lead production team in planning and executing production scaling from prototype to full-rate-production
• Plan and execute new product prototype builds

Process Optimization:

• Refine manufacturing readiness, drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback loops, and implement lean practices tailored to small-batch environments
• Implement lean manufacturing practices
• Analyze production data and identify process improvements

Quality & Compliance:

• Partner with quality assurance to resolve Discrepancy Reports (DRs) and root cause/corrective action (RCCA) investigations
• Implement corrective actions to reduce defects, reworks and scraps

Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Coordinate with engineering, quality, materials, and purchasing to resolve production constraints, maintain material flow, mitigate bottlenecks, and manage configurations
• Support smooth prototype-to-production transitions

Team Development/Leadership:

• Mentor and lead production control supervisor, manufacturing engineering supervisor, material manager and production supervisors to foster a culture of safety, accountability, and precision

Planning & Scheduling:

• Oversee production plans and schedules development to align with company strategy and product delivery schedule
• Utilize ERP data to monitor production KPIs
• Generate and summary production reports for the executive team

Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering (or a related field) - Preferred

Experience:

• 7-10 years of experience in production management
• At least 5+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience working in AS9100 / ISO 9001 regulated environments is highly desirable

Desired Skills:

• Deep familiarity with prototype and low-volume production of complex electromechanical systems preferred
• Strong knowledge of production planning, capacity planning, scheduling, and shop floor control
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems
• Ability to interpret Bills of Materials (BOMs), routings, and work orders.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for production planning, scheduling analysis, data reporting, and development of dashboards, pivot tables, and data-driven performance metrics

Leadership & Operational Skills:

• Ability to lead and develop production staff (50+ staff)
• Proven ability to manage priorities and resolve schedule conflicts in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills related to production flow and material availability

Physical Requirements include:

• Occasional climbing or balancing may be required in lab or field environments.
• Position may require the ability to lift up to 15 lbs., stand, walk for long periods of time

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.