Production Supervisor

Thorlabs; Texas; On-site; USD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Thorlabs in Sterling, VA, seeks an experienced manufacturing supervisor to lead a production unit, ensure quality, and meet output goals. The role involves coordinating activities, mentoring staff, and collaborating with management to optimize processes.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years in a similar supervisory position, a high school diploma or equivalent, strong communication, and proven ability to drive continuous improvement while maintaining safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar and progressive supervisory role.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ownership mentality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise production unit; ensure quality and on-time delivery.
• Develop and implement methods to optimize manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs.
• Monitor performance, conduct interviews, and provide regular progress reports to management.
• Foster continuous improvement and safety; maintain clean, safe work areas.
• Manage department priorities and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Ownership & work ethic

Communication skills

Problem solving

Computer skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabscontributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

The position provides leadership, guidance and supervision of respective unit. This position works closely with management to ensure quality products are safely and efficiently produced within scheduled time line. Although the location of the position is in Sterling VA, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

• Responsible for frequent checks of product quality and resolves production and the resulting quality issues that may arise.

• Develops and maintains methods and procedures to optimize manufacturing efficiencies and quality maximize labor utilization and reduce operating costs.

• Ensures production goals are met.

• Assists in performing physical inventories in accordance with company procedures.

• Demonstrated success in developing others, building a successful team, facilitating change, aligning performance to company values.

• Fosters continuous improvement and continuous improvement culture.

• Complies with safety regulations and maintain clean and orderly work areas.

• Create updates and presentations as needed for Sr. Management.

• Manage departmental performance measures, including visual controls and provides regular progress reports to manager.

• Participate in interview.

• Monitor attendance, performance, training; complete performance assessments; make termination recommendations as necessary.

• Manage department priorities.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar and progressive position with supervisory experience.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent or equivalent work experience.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong sense of ownership and work ethic, written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated problem solving skills

• Proficient computer skills

• Strong ability to work well in a group atmosphere and comply with high-quality standards.

• Strong ability to shift from one task to another to address changing production priorities.

The estimated pay range for this role is $65,000 - $ 82,000 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.