PPC Project Manager Minimum 35 hrs/week; overtime as needed A unique corporate culture combined with a dynamic work environment At Optimax, we build lenses that power cutting-edge technologies in aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics. Our optics help shape breakthroughs that benefit humanity and protect our freedom. We offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. We are looking for motivated individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to impactful projects. The PPC Project Manager is a member of the Production Planning & Capacity (PPC) team . The PPC team, spanning all four precision optics groups, focuses on scheduling and prioritizing, statusing, and planning for capacity and communicating production priorities to each precision optics group’s Production Manager. The PPC Project Manager handles specific, key projects by providing in-depth attention to customer-specific projects. They act as a liaison between departments, sales, and production to ensure optimal communication and coordination of work processes and product flow to maximize productivity and quality. They also provide project-specific status updates to account managers and customers while providing feedback and support to the Production Managers for the creation and execution of the master production schedule. This role reports to the Production Planning & Capacity Manager. A PPC Project Manager’s responsibilities include: + Supporting Production Managers in priority setting, forecasting, forming the end of month hit list, coordination with downstream resources, and related activities. + Advising Production Managers on changes, priorities, deprioritization, and/or concerns in the production schedule based on stakeholder feedback. + Ensuring optimal communication between precision optics groups, sales, and production by holding the Production Managers accountable for communicating priorities to Group and Team Leaders. + Balancing shop load across cells, in conjunction with the Production Managers, by addressing capacity concerns. + Ensuring smooth operations by overseeing the production cycle to make sure the process runs smoothly from pre-production to post-production. + Providing general status updates to their designated customers when appropriate. + Providing support for kick-off meetings and customer visits. + Spending time in on the production floor to: + Observe: See how work is being done and what can be improved + Engage with teams: Ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective + Identify waste: Look for areas where problems or waste might be occurring + Bridge the gap: Strengthen the commitment to continuous improvement by directly connecting with operations + Alerting Engineering when performance is not at level it should be. + Maintaining a curious, continuous improvement mindset to solve problems, navigate complexity, understand underlying causes, and offer potential solutions that others might overlook. + Reviewing daily shipments and adjusting for changes in customer requirements and availability of production resources and equipment within their focus area. + Completing and analyzing reports, including dispatch reports, items shipped on time, delayed orders, and other production- and customer-specific requests. + Where extra capacity exists, the Production Coordinator provides support with miscellaneous tasks such as engraving, job releasing, job closing, etc. Work Requirements: + High School Diploma or GED required. Experience related to manufacturing in an operations capacity preferred. + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills + Ability to work with multiple interruptions + Highly motivated, driven, results-oriented, team player + Flexible and able to multi-task responsibilities + Ability to read/understand blue prints + Knowledge of intermediate level Microsoft Word and Outlook. Semi-advanced level Microsoft Excel. + Analytical troubleshooting / problem solving skills + Ability to understand and follow existing processes and procedures + Ability to work in a challenging, fast paced environment with good time management skills Physical Demands + While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch; talk and hear; may include lifting of up to 40 lbs. + The job may involve prolonged periods of sitting/standing. + Requires specific visual abilities including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. + Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp. Work Environment: + This position works in a manufacturing environment. The noise level can vary from quiet to loud frequencies. + May involve the use of oils and solvents. + Generally works in a clean environment and works to maintain the environment as such. + May require area specific safety training Compensation & Benefits: Optimax offers competitive compensation based on experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including: + Bonus: 25% Monthly Profit Sharing + Tuition Assistance : Support for continuing education + Health Insurance : Medical, Dental, and Vision options + 401(k): Retirement plan with employer match + Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and paid holidays + Other Benefits : Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA) Equal Opportunity Employer: Optimax is committed to offering equal opportunity for all candidates. We encourage you to apply regardless of background, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Optimax will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. ITAR Compliance : Due to federal regulations, employment at Optimax is limited to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. (EEO) Optimax Systems, Inc. must comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) issued by the United States Department of State, Department of Defense Trade Controls. Because of the ITAR, Optimax must limit employment opportunities to US citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact our Human Resources team at 585-265-1020.