Sr. Director Optical Transceiver Manufacturing

Job description

ABOUT LUMILENS At Lumilens we are building the critical photonics infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s AI supercomputing. From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new era of computing - faster, cooler, and massively more efficient. We’re a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield and led by veterans who’ve built and scaled some of the most transformative technologies in the industry. At Lumilens, we’re developing high-speed photonics products purpose built to power the future of AI infrastructure and high-performance computing. This isn’t incremental innovation, it’s a ground-floor opportunity to rethink the optical layer from the silicon up. You’ll work alongside a team of world-class engineers solving some of the hardest challenges in scaling optical systems. Every line of code, every design decision, every breakthrough you help deliver will shape the infrastructure of tomorrow. If you're looking for mission, momentum, and the chance to make an outsized impact, jump on the rocket ship. We’re just getting started. Position Overview Lumilens is seeking a seasoned manufacturing leader to build and scale our optical transceiver manufacturing operations in Thailand. As Sr. Director, you will own site strategy, operational execution, capacity planning, and manufacturing readiness across next-generation 800G and 1.6T optical transceiver products. This role is responsible for establishing the operational foundation required to support new product introduction, production ramp, quality performance, and long-term scale. You will lead cross-functional partnerships across process engineering, test, quality, supply chain, and product teams to industrialize advanced optical module manufacturing and drive predictable, high-yield execution. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in optical, photonics, or precision electronics manufacturing, along with the leadership presence to build teams, implement disciplined operating systems, and deliver world-class factory performance in a fast-scaling environment. Key Responsibilities Manufacturing Leadership & Site Operations - Lead overall manufacturing strategy and site operations for Lumilens’ optical transceiver production in Thailand, with accountability for output, quality, cost, delivery, and operational scale. - Stand up and scale manufacturing capabilities for 800G and 1.6T optical transceiver products, including production ramp planning, staffing models, equipment readiness, and operational infrastructure. - Establish a prototyping and test environment adjacent to the factory to support NPI development, process validation, and operator and engineer training for optical transceiver and silicon photonics production. - Drive disciplined execution of manufacturing plans through clear operating rhythms, KPI management, and performance reviews across yield, throughput, scrap, inventory, and on-time delivery. - Partner closely with engineering teams to ensure successful transitions from development and pilot builds into repeatable, scalable production, with timely feedback on manufacturability, testability, and quality. - Build, lead, and develop a high-performing manufacturing organization, including frontline leaders, operators, technicians, and support functions required to scale site operations. - Establish strong talent practices across hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and succession planning to create a durable manufacturing capability. - Own site-level operational and capital planning, including workforce strategy, capacity investments, and facility readiness to meet business growth objectives. - Create a culture of accountability, safety, quality, and continuous improvement, with clear expectations and disciplined execution across the manufacturing floor. - Serve as the senior manufacturing leader for the site, aligning factory execution with company priorities and providing leadership visibility into performance, risks, and ramp readiness. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement - Lead operational excellence initiatives that improve productivity, quality, cycle time, and cost through standard work, 5S, visual management, and disciplined problem-solving. - Sponsor root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts across manufacturing issues, ensuring systemic fixes and sustainable process control. - Drive capacity expansion and manufacturing readiness plans to support new product ramps and long-term business growth. - Implement robust operating metrics and reporting mechanisms that provide clear visibility into site performance, emerging risks, and improvement priorities. Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Management, or a related technical field; advanced degree is a plus. - 15+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, with significant experience in optical transceivers, optical components, photonics, precision assembly, or advanced electronics manufacturing. - Proven success leading factory or site operations, production scale-up, or manufacturing organizations in fast-paced, high-growth environments. - Strong command of manufacturing systems and operational disciplines, including production planning, WIP management, yield improvement, line balancing, and capacity planning. - Experience building and developing teams, with the leadership maturity to influence across engineering, operations, quality, and executive stakeholders. - Strong communication skills in English, with the ability to operate effectively in a cross-functional and global environment. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with MES, ERP, and shop floor management systems.