IMRA America, Inc. is hiring: Manufacturing Manager in Ann Arbor

Overview

IMRA America, Inc., founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1990, is dedicated to the development of ultrafast fiber laser technologies for commercial applications. IMRA’s technology portfolio includes over 450 US and international patents and patent applications. IMRA’s femtosecond fiber lasers are ideal for a host of applications ranging from refractive surgery to ultrafast measurement instruments, and industrial material processing.

We are seeking a Manufacturing Manager to join our team as part of our succession planning strategy. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside an experienced management team to gain in-depth knowledge and ensure a smooth transition.

• 401(k) - 4% Match
• Generous Vacation, Personal, and Holiday Banks

IMRA offers an outstanding benefits package totaling in excess of $25,000 [95% company paid]

Responsibilities

• Oversee Production Operations: Plan, direct, and coordinate all production activities to meet organizational goals.
• Develop departmental plans and budgets, ensuring adherence to financial and operational objectives.
• Recommend and implement improvements to manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and facility layout.
• Establish and manage production schedules, balancing priorities to meet deadlines and customer needs.
• Proactively identify and resolve production challenges to maintain workflow continuity.
• Quality Assurance Leadership: Implement and maintain quality assurance systems and programs that align with customer satisfaction goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and consistency.

Policy and Program Development

• Develop, recommend, and enforce manufacturing policies, programs, procedures, and standards to optimize operations.

Team Management and Development

• Lead and manage the Production team, including developing manpower plans to meet production requirements.
• Oversee the hiring, training, and retention of top-tier talent to support operational success.
• Evaluate employee performance, provide constructive feedback, and take corrective actions as necessary.
• Make recommendations on employment-related decisions, including promotions, salary adjustments, and other personnel actions.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing management, preferably in a high-tech or precision manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of leading production teams and managing operations in a small to mid-sized company setting.

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and tooling, ideally in laser or optics production.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with quality assurance systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or other relevant certifications).

Leadership and Management Skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop teams, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing production challenges.
• Experience with budget development, financial management, and operational planning.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaboration across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to build and maintain a positive and productive work environment.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of laser technology, optics manufacturing, or precision engineering is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency in manufacturing software and tools (e.g., ERP systems, CAD software, or process modeling tools).
• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or manufacturing operations (e.g., CMfgE, CMfgT) is a plus.