Milling, Grinding, and Polishing Group Leader (Optics Manufacturing)

Location: Wilton, Connecticut, United States. Onsite position on a compressed work week front-end night schedule: 6:00 PM–6:00 AM on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Saturday. Work in a climate-controlled cleanroom may be required, including full gowning. Occasional travel, off-shift training, and business meetings may be required.

Base annual salary: $110,250–$161,700.

Company

hirify.global develops lithography machines used by leading chipmakers to produce faster, smaller, and more energy-efficient microchips.

What you will do

• Lead 15+ optical technicians across milling, grinding, and polishing work centers to deliver precision optics safely, on time, and to quality standards.
• Set production schedules, manage resources and output, solve deviations, create recovery plans, and maintain production continuity across shifts.
• Create performance goals, coach and mentor technicians, develop professional action plans, and build technical, continuous improvement, teamwork, and cross-training competencies.
• Monitor KPIs including 5S safety, first-pass yield, on-time delivery, production lead time, labor efficiency, labor-hour accuracy, and workforce development.
• Partner with Production Engineering on process improvement, product quality, operational efficiency, and the adoption and industrialization of new products and processes.
• Administer time and attendance records, performance and merit reviews, company policies, disciplinary matters, and hiring decisions with Human Resources.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of supervisory or leadership experience in manufacturing or a related field, or 5 years of direct optics fabrication experience.
• 10+ years of experience in a complex manufacturing, production, or operations environment.
• Minimum high school diploma; a bachelor's degree is desired, preferably in science or engineering.
• Strong manufacturing operations knowledge and demonstrated Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.
• Experience improving operations through collaboration with employees and partner organizations.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook 365 and knowledge of SAP or a comparable ERP system.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001; direct experience in an ISO-certified environment is desirable.
• Ability to read and interpret data, information, and documents; identify bottlenecks; work accurately under changing workloads and deadlines; and follow strict procedures.
• Strong coaching, communication, customer focus, accountability, analytical ability, teamwork, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access controlled technology under United States Export Administration Regulations before beginning work.
• Ability to complete peer-to-peer transactional handoffs at the start and end of shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds may be required, and the role may involve exposure to moving mechanical parts, solvents, tooling, laser energy, magnetic fields, high voltage, and high currents.

Nice to have

• Optical, semiconductor, precision manufacturing, or cleanroom experience.
• Prior optical fabrication experience.
• Direct experience working in an ISO-certified environment.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance for employees and families.
• 401(k) plan participation.
• Eight hours of vacation leave accrued each month and 13 paid holidays annually.
• Equal opportunity and commitment to an inclusive and diverse workforce.
• Reasonable workplace accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities.