Head of Manufacturing

About Robo Optic

Robo Optic is a Taiwanese-founded robotics and optical systems manufacturer with operations in Hutto, TX. We design and produce high-precision optical components and modules for demanding industrial and commercial applications. As we scale our U.S. manufacturing footprint, we're looking for a seasoned Manufacturing Head to lead our production operations end-to-end.

The Role

The Manufacturing Head is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations — from production line design and process control to yield optimization and team development. You will own the factory floor: driving efficiency, ensuring quality, and building a culture of continuous improvement rooted in data and discipline.

This role requires a leader who doesn't just manage production — but deeply understands it.

What You'll Own

Production Operations

• Lead the full manufacturing operation for optical components and modules, including lens grinding, coating, assembly alignment, bonding, and related processes
• Design and maintain production flow documentation including Value Stream Maps (VSM)
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks using Theory of Constraints methodology
• Manage WIP levels across stations to optimize throughput and overall line efficiency
• Define and monitor takt time targets across production lines

Test & Measurement

• Evaluate test station design logic and measurement capability (MSA, GR&R) to ensure equipment is not a source of yield loss
• Apply knowledge of optical measurement instrumentation — interferometers, optical power meters, autofocus systems, and image measurement systems
• Distinguish process control stations from outgoing quality inspection stations and align them accordingly

Quality & Yield

• Drive yield improvement through structured failure analysis using FMEA and 8D methodologies
• Implement and monitor SPC tools for statistical process control across critical parameters
• Apply Cpk/Ppk analysis to assess and improve process capability — not just report the numbers
• Differentiate root causes between equipment issues, process issues, and operator issues to drive targeted corrective actions

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing manufacturing team
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to align production goals with business objectives
• Report on key manufacturing KPIs to senior leadership and Taiwanese HQ stakeholders

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role
• Background in optical component or optical module manufacturing strongly preferred; fiber optics or active optical component experience a plus
• Hands-on fluency with optical specifications: wavefront error, MTF, surface roughness, transmittance, coupling efficiency
• Strong command of Lean manufacturing, VSM, Theory of Constraints, SPC, FMEA, Cpk/Ppk
• Proven ability to build and scale production lines — not just manage existing ones
• Experience working with cross-cultural or international teams (Taiwan HQ collaboration is a plus)
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Optics, Physics, or related field; advanced degree preferred

Why Join Robo Optic

• Ground-floor opportunity to shape U.S. manufacturing operations for a growing global company
• High-impact, high-visibility role reporting directly to senior leadership
• Competitive compensation
• Collaborative, technically rigorous culture that values precision and ownership