Fiber Optics Manufacturing Manager

Company Description

Executive Airborne Solutions, Inc. (EAS), identified by Inc 5000 as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, providing unparalleled, cradle to grave mission communication solutions for critical national command and control assets. EAS, a Certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), is an aerospace communications company that designs, manufactures, installs, tests, and documents communications systems in command-and-control platforms.

Role Description EAS is seeking an experienced Fiber Optic Manufacturing Manager to lead the stand‑up and oversight of a new production capability for custom fiber optic cable assemblies. This role is responsible for building the operation from the ground up — selecting and configuring tooling, establishing production processes, defining quality standards, and supervising a team of cable technicians.

The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of fiber optic cable assembly methods, industry‑standard terminations, and FO testing practices, combined with strong leadership skills and experience creating manufacturing processes. This is a hands‑off managerial role focused on capability development, supervision, training oversight, and quality assurance — not performing daily cable termination work.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Capability Development

• Establish and manage a new production capability for certified fiber optic cables and harnesses.
• Select, procure, and implement fiber optic tooling, test equipment, and workspace layout.
• Develop, document, and maintain manufacturing processes, procedures, work instructions, and quality workflows.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations leadership to align production capability with business needs.

Team Leadership & Oversight

• Supervise and mentor fiber optic and cable assembly technicians.
• Provide on‑the‑job training, ensure procedural compliance, and promote a culture of workmanship and precision.
• Plan, assign, and oversee work for multiple projects simultaneously.

Quality, Inspection & Testing

• Ensure all produced cables and harnesses meet internal and external quality standards.
• Oversee acceptance and characterization testing, including continuity, insertion loss, and return loss.
• Ensure proper use and calibration of industry‑standard fiber‑optic test equipment (light sources, optical power meters, OTDR, inspection scopes, etc.).
• Implement quality control checks and maintain organized, compliant work areas.

Technical Program Support

• Review customer requirements and technical drawings to define labor, materials, and equipment needs for quoting and planning.
• Support engineering reviews by analyzing manufacturability, connector selection, and cable routing considerations.
• Provide oversight—not hands‑on execution—for cable fabrication, termination, splicing, soldering, and inspection performed by technical staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in fiber optic cable termination, assembly, or manufacturing.
• Experience leading or supervising a cable assembly or fiber optics production team strongly preferred.
• Strong familiarity with industry‑standard connectors such as MTP, LC, ST, MT‑RJ, and Mil‑Spec circular termini.
• Ability to read and interpret fiber and electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with standard fiber‑optic test equipment including OTDR, power meters, sources, and inspection systems.
• Experience developing processes, work instructions, or production documentation.
• US citizenship required due to government program requirements.
• Ability to obtain a US Government Secret Security Clearance; an active clearance within the last 6 years is preferred.

Preferred Certifications

• ETA Fiber Optic Installer (FOI) or Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT).
• IPC‑A‑640A Certification (Optical Fiber, Optical Cable, and Hybrid Wiring Harness Assemblies).
• IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 Certification (Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies).
• OSHA 10 or 30 General Industry training.