Head of Manafacturing Operations

About us:Salience Labs is building an industry-defining approach to optical circuit switching for AI infrastructure, engineered for real latency reduction and cost savings. We're moving towards real-world deployment, and joining at this stage means genuine ownership over that next chapter, working alongside a highly technical team on one of the most consequential problems in AI infrastructure today.The role: We are looking for a Head of Manufacturing Operations to take ownership of how our photonic hardware is built, tested and qualified. You will lead our manufacturing engineering activities and work closely with engineering, product, commercial and external manufacturing partners to make sure our products meet the standards required for AI datacentre deployment.This is a senior leadership role for someone with strong industrial experience in semiconductor or electronics manufacturing. You should be comfortable moving between technical detail, partner engagement, operational planning and clear communication with both engineering and commercial stakeholders.You will also work directly with external manufacturing and test partners, guiding their activities, reviewing results and ensuring the quality of what they deliver meets the requirements for commercial deployment.Set the direction and priorities for manufacturing operations and align them with company product and commercial goalsLead and develop an engineering team, setting clear expectations and accountabilityManage relationships with external suppliers and manufacturing partners, including performance, escalation and corrective actionsOversee packaging, assembly and test activities for photonic hardwareEnsure appropriate reliability, qualification and quality processes are in placeDrive improvements in yield, performance and costWork with engineering teams to ensure manufacturability, testability and reliability are considered throughout product developmentCollaborate with product and commercial teams to ensure customer requirements are understood and metInvestigate and resolve manufacturing and quality issues, including root-cause analysis and corrective actionSupport supplier visits, audits and technical reviewsOwn operational risks, schedules and budgets for the functionContinuously improve processes, tools and reporting standardsCommunicate technical findings clearly to both specialist and non-specialist stakeholdersThe role will have significant ownership over manufacturing operations, with responsibility for ensuring work is appropriately planned, executed, reviewed and communicated from start to finish.What we're looking for:Significant industrial experience in semiconductor, photonics or electronics manufacturingExperience leading multidisciplinary engineering teamsStrong knowledge of semiconductor devices, electronics and packagingA strong understanding of test, reliability, qualification and quality principlesExperience working with external suppliers, manufacturing partners or test housesThe ability to analyse complex datasets and turn them into practical decisionsStrong problem-solving and critical-thinking skillsStrong stakeholder-management skills across multidisciplinary teamsThe ability to communicate complex technical subjects clearly and conciselyThe confidence to challenge technical conclusions and provide clear guidance where requiredStrong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on key deliverablesExperience in photonics, optoelectronics or optical interconnectExperience in a high-volume manufacturing environmentStrong knowledge of semiconductor packaging and assemblyExperience working directly with OSATs or other outsourced manufacturing partnersExperience auditing supplier quality, reliability or qualification activitiesExperience supporting customer quality and reliability requirementsA background in failure analysis or root-cause investigationExperience developing operational processes from the ground upExposure to data-centre, communications or other high-performance electronics environmentsExperience balancing technical rigour with commercial and programme timelinesRelevant backgrounds might include semiconductor manufacturing, photonics or optical module production, packaging, product qualification or another technically demanding high-volume product environment.This is an opportunity to take meaningful ownership of manufacturing within a fast-moving deep-tech environment, working across engineering, commercial and external partners to ensure advanced hardware is robust, well understood and ready for deployment.You will have the scope to influence how manufacturing operations are approached as the organisation grows.The role is UK-based and will require international travel, including to suppliers and partners across Asia, the US and Europe.Find more English Speaking Jobs in United Kingdom on Arbeitnow