Operations Manager - Hi-Rel

DescriptionMini-Circuits designs, manufactures and distributes integrated circuits, modules, and sub-systems for high-performance radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications. With design, sales and manufacturing locations in over 30 countries, Mini-Circuits' products are used in a range of wired and wireless communications applications. Our products are also used in detection, measurement and imaging applications, including military communication, guidance and electronic countermeasure systems, commercial, scientific, military land, sea and aircraft; automotive systems, medical systems, and industrial test equipment.Mini-Circuits' sells its products to over 20,000 customers globally through our direct sales force, applications engineering staff, sales representatives, as well as through our extensive website.Position Summary:The Operations Manager - Hi-Rel is responsible for leading and scaling all High Reliability (Hi-Rel) and up-screening operations from product inception through final shipment. This role ensures operational excellence, on-time delivery, compliance with stringent reliability standards, and cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and external partners.This individual will bring deep experience in high-reliability manufacturing environments (e.g., aerospace, defense, and space) and will drive execution, continuous improvement, and strategic growth of Hi-Rel capabilities.Salary Range: $135,000 - $150,000 per yearJob Function:Operational LeadershipOwn end-to-end Hi-Rel operations including production, screening, testing, and shipment readinessWork closely with Manufacturing Control to support production planning, scheduling, and issue resolutionLead daily operations across assembly, inspection, reliability testing, and external labs/vendorsEnsure adherence to all Hi-Rel and up-screening requirements, including customer and regulatory standardsProgram & Execution ManagementOversee planning, scheduling, and execution of all Hi-Rel programsChampion SAP implementation and integration initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and data visibilityDrive development and maintenance of detailed production schedules and Gantt charts to ensure on-time deliveryIdentify and manage critical paths, risks, and constraints across multiple concurrent programsEnsure seamless transition from product development to production and screeningDevelop and monitor KPIs to evaluate program success, on-time delivery, and operational efficiencySupport budgeting, forecasting, and vendor management for Hi-Rel programsCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Applications, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to define and execute Hi-Rel requirementsEnsure accurate documentation of all screening and reliability requirements (e.g., Thermal Shock, Vibration, Burn-in, Life Testing, Radiographic Inspection, etc.)Coordinate with Test Engineering and Fixturing teams to develop necessary test setups and capabilitiesQuality & ComplianceEnsure strict compliance with reliability standards, customer specifications, and internal quality systemsEscalate quality issues and drive root cause analysis and corrective actionsPartner with Quality & Reliability teams to maintain and improve screening effectivenessEnsure proper documentation, traceability, and audit readiness within SAP and operational systemsContinuous ImprovementLead initiatives to improve throughput, reduce cycle time, and increase operational efficiencyAnalyze past project performance to eliminate recurring issuesImplement Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to optimize Hi-Rel processesIdentify opportunities for efficiency, scalability, and risk mitigation across Hi-Rel operationsBuild and optimize operational workflows and systemsAnalyze operational data (including SAP data) to inform strategic decisionsLead change management efforts related to process and system improvementsReporting & CommunicationProvide regular updates to leadership on program status, risks, and performance metricsDevelop and track KPIs related to on-time delivery, yield, cycle time, and qualityServe as the primary escalation point for Hi-Rel operational issuesSupervisory Responsibilities:Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing Hi-Rel operations teamEstablish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectationsFoster a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvementThe duties, responsibilities and expectations described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the member, within the scope of the position.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (Master's preferred)Experience in aerospace, defense, space, or other regulated industriesFamiliarity with ITAR, AS9100, MIL-STD, or similar standardsLean Manufacturing / Six Sigma certification8-12+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations, with significant exposure to high-reliability environments3-5+ years in a leadership or management roleStrong understanding of Hi-Rel and up-screening processes, including:Thermal Shock, Vibration, Mechanical ShockBurn-in, Life Testing, Environmental Stress Screening (ESS)Radiographic Inspection, C-SAM, and related methodsFamiliarity with reliability principles (e.g., bathtub curve, failure modes, life studies)Hands-on SAP experience required (production planning, WIP tracking, reporting, and data analysis)Experience with PLM systems (e.g., Smartsheet, Arena PLM preferred)Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysisStrong project management skills (PMP preferred)Strategic thinker with strong execution focusHighly organized with exceptional attention to detailStrong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skillsAbility to manage multiple complex programs simultaneouslyProven problem-solving and decision-making capability in fast-paced environmentsPhysical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to operate a computer keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Cultural FocusDisplays enthusiasm and Passion for their workWorks to the standard of Uncompromising Quality by meeting or exceeding stated objectives and embracing continuous improvementExercises sound Business Judgement, ensuring that efforts are on track with the Company's goalsOperates with the mindset of Customer Obsession - by meeting or exceeding expectations to both internal and external customersTakes Accountability by taking ownership and accepting responsibility for their conduct and contributionsDemonstrates a strong sense of urgency and accomplishes tasks with Speed and attention to detailCooperates, collaborates and contributes to shared goals with a strong sense of TeamworkConducts themselves with Honesty & Integrity and treats all members with Trust & RespectAdditional Requirements/SkillsComply, understand, and support corporate safety initiatives to ensure a safe work environmentAbility and willingness to abide by Company's Code of ConductOccasional travel, some overnight, as requiredDisclaimer: The listed qualifications and requirements for each position are intended as guidelines. Mini-Circuits reserves the right to hire outside of these guidelines at Management's discretion.