Principal Volume Production Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the transfer and scale-up of the current Optical Fiber manufacturing process into a stable, repeatable high-volume manufacturing line. 
• Define manufacturing flows, equipment and tooling needs, critical process parameters, controls, and acceptance criteria. 
• Commission, debug, and qualify production equipment, tooling, fixtures, and processes through pilot and ramp builds. 
• Improve yield, throughput, cycle time, process capability, scrap, and manufacturing cost using data-driven methods. 
• Lead root-cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions. 
• Partner with R&D, Product Engineering, Quality, and Operations on manufacturability, process qualification, and product readiness. 
• Develop SOPs, control plans, work instructions, troubleshooting guides, and training for production personnel. 
• Manage scale-up schedules, technical risks, suppliers, performance metrics, and communication with site leadership. 

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical, Chemical, Ceramic, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred. 
• 10+ years of product, process, or manufacturing engineering experience in a complex production environment. 
• Proven experience with manufacturing-line start-up, process transfer, equipment commissioning, qualification, and high-volume ramp. 
• Experience in fiber optics, coating, jacketing, precision materials processing, or similar manufacturing; direct fiber-draw experience is preferred. 
• Strong capability in DOE, SPC, process capability, root-cause analysis, Lean/Six Sigma, and measurable yield, capacity, quality, or cost improvement. 

• Support the scale-up of Fiber production processes, ensuring smooth transition from R&D to full-scale manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize equipment performance and enhance overall productivity.
• Provide technical guidance and training to personnel at all levels, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct thorough root cause analysis for any production issues, implementing effective solutions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations, maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in Fiber production technology, driving innovation within the department.
• Lead and mentor a team of engineers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation, providing transparent updates on scale-up progress.

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is required, with a Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of successful scale-up projects.
• In-depth knowledge of Fiber production processes and equipment, along with a strong understanding of industry standards.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to mentor and motivate a diverse team.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for process optimization and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery.
• Willingness to adapt and learn new technologies, staying updated with industry trends.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy and quality.
• A collaborative mindset, with a track record of successful cross-functional teamwork.