Manufacturing Engineer

Innofiber is a rapidly growing, private-equity-owned manufacturer of precision engineered photonic solutions, specializing in custom fiber optic cable assemblies and sub-assemblies. Our products support critical applications across medical devices , aerospace & defense , and semiconductor markets. Position Summary The Manufacturing Engineer is a technical leader responsible for driving manufacturing excellence across Innofiber’s fiber optic production operations. This role owns manufacturability, process robustness, and scalability from early NPI through full-rate production. This is a highly hands-on manufacturing role . The successful candidate will have deep fiber optic manufacturing experience, demonstrated success leading products through formal NPI phase-gate / toll-gate processes , and a proven track record of improving yield, throughput, cost, and process stability on the production floor. Key Responsibilities Manufacturing Engineering Serve as the technical authority for fiber optic manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and work instructions. Provide direct, hands-on support to production, troubleshooting complex process issues and driving permanent corrective actions. Mentor and technically guide manufacturing and process engineers, technicians, and operators. New Product Introduction (NPI) & Phase-Gate Ownership Lead manufacturing activities through structured NPI phase-gate / toll-gate processes , ensuring readiness for scale, quality, and cost. Partner with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to transition products from development into stable production. Define manufacturing process flows, routings, labor standards, equipment needs, and documentation prior to release. Process Development & Continuous Improvement Design, develop, and optimize fiber optic manufacturing processes including stripping, cleaving, polishing, termination, assembly, and testing. Drive measurable improvements in yield, scrap reduction, cycle time, and labor efficiency using data-driven methods. Lead root cause analysis (PFMEA, DOE, 8D) for chronic or high‑impact manufacturing issues. Equipment, Tooling & Validation Specify, design, and qualify manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and tooling. Establish and maintain a tooling lifecycle and preventive maintenance program (modernized from the legacy tooling PM requirement). Lead process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ) in compliance with ISO 13485 and medical device customer requirements. Quality & Regulatory Partnership Ensure manufacturing processes comply with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and customer‑specific regulatory requirements. Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits as a manufacturing subject matter expert. Collaborate with Quality Engineering on PFMEAs, control plans, and risk mitigation strategies. Kaizen & Operational Excellence Champion Lean manufacturing and Kaizen initiatives on the production floor. Improve manufacturing flow, reduce waste, and establish standard work across operations. Help build scalable processes that support growth, acquisition integration, and increasing production volumes. Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s preferred). 2-5 years of hands‑on manufacturing engineering experience. Direct fiber optic manufacturing experience is strongly preferred and may be required , particularly within regulated industries. Demonstrated success leading products through structured NPI phase‑gate processes . Technical Expertise Deep understanding of fiber optic cable assembly processes, materials, and test methods. Strong background in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and statistical process control. Experience working in ISO 13485 / regulated medical device manufacturing environments . Ability to interpret engineering drawings, optical specifications, and customer requirements. Leadership & Personal Attributes Highly hands‑on engineer who leads by example on the manufacturing floor. Comfortable fixing inherited or legacy manufacturing challenges rather than working around them. Strong communicator who collaborates effectively across Engineering, Quality, and Operations. Continuous improvement mindset aligned with Innofiber’s Kaizen culture. Why Innofiber? This role offers the opportunity to shape manufacturing capability and execution within a fast-growing photonics organization. As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer at Innofiber, you will directly influence product success, operational scalability, and long‑term manufacturing excellence. Department: Engineering Employment Type: Full-Time Compensation: $70,000 - $100,000 #J-18808-Ljbffr