Production Manager

KLA; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA is seeking a seasoned manufacturing leader in San Diego to manage production across assigned lines, uphold safety and quality, and ensure adherence to production plans. You will develop lean, cost‑efficient strategies, mentor a high‑performing team, and collaborate with engineering, supply chain, quality and R&D to resolve issues and implement improvements.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in a technical field with at least seven years in manufacturing operations, including

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technically applicable field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing metrics including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and cycle time.
• Strong understanding of MES and ERP systems.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to collaborate across all levels.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead all production activities across assigned manufacturing lines, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, quality standards, and production plans.
• Develop and implement production strategies to optimize output, reduce costs, and improve efficiency through lean manufacturing principles and process automation.
• Set clear production goals and objectives, monitor performance against key metrics (e.g., OOBQ, yield, cycle time, OTD), and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate production personnel, fostering a high-performance team culture.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, supply chain, quality, and R&D teams to resolve production issues, introduce new products, and improve existing processes.
• Implement and maintain robust quality control systems to ensure products meet KLA’s stringent quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis, root cause identification, and implementation of sustainable solutions.
• Continuation of Master Scheduler and Configuration Analyst duties until a qualified replacement is in place.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Data analysis

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MES

ERP

Job description

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.

• Manage and lead all production activities across assigned manufacturing lines, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, quality standards, and production plans.
• Develop and implement production strategies to optimize output, reduce costs, and improve efficiency through lean manufacturing principles and process automation.
• Set clear production goals and objectives, monitor performance against key metrics (e.g., OOBQ, yield, cycle time, OTD), and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate production personnel, fostering a high-performance team culture.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, supply chain, quality, and R&D teams to resolve production issues, introduce new products, and improve existing processes.
• Implement and maintain robust quality control systems to ensure products meet KLA’s stringent quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis, root cause identification, and implementation of sustainable solutions.
• Continuation of Master Scheduler and Configuration Analyst duties until a qualified replacement is in place.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a technically applicable field of study.

Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.

Strong understanding of manufacturing critical metrics including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and cycle time.

Strong understanding of manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Excellent leadership, mentoring, problem-solving, analytical, and decision‑making skills.

Exceptional communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with all levels of the organization.

Proficiency in data analysis tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

About KLA

We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.

Total Rewards

Base Pay Range: $108,700.00 - $184,800.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-San Diego-KLA

• KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed.

Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Use of AI Statement

At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews—whether virtual or in person—is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation. For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website. We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.

Additional Information

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