Senior Technical Operations Manager at AEye, Inc (Pleasanton, CA)
AEye, Inc· Pleasanton, CA·
Job description
Senior Technical Operations Manager
We are seeking a hands-on, execution-focused Sr. Technical Operations Manager to lead our contract manufacturer and sub-supplier operations, New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing engineering, and manufacturing test engineering for LiDAR products. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence across a multi-site supplier network while ensuring readiness for builds, launches, and volume production.
The ideal candidate will partner closely with engineering and supply chain teams to support engineering builds, product launches, and scalable manufacturing, while improving quality, yield, and supplier performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead contract manufacturers and sub-suppliers to deliver high-quality products on schedule and at scale.
- Partner with the Global Supply Management team on supplier selection, onboarding, and ramp-up activities.
- Own manufacturing technical deliverables, including manufacturing test, manufacturing engineering, and quality readiness.
- Troubleshoot production issues, lead root cause analysis, and drive corrective and preventive actions.
- Collaborate with EMS partners and cross-functional teams including systems, hardware, software, reliability, and supply chain to support product launches and ongoing production.
- Drive yield improvement, test robustness, and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
- Define, implement, and manage the operational NPI process.
- Develop and maintain the quality management system for manufacturing operations.
- Ensure manufacturing partners maintain required certifications and compliance standards.
Required Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, industrialization, or a related field; MBA, or equivalent relevant experience.
- 8+ years of experience in manufacturing, production operations, or technical operations.
- Hands-on experience managing multiple contract manufacturers across Asia, North America, and/or Europe.
- Working knowledge of electro-optical systems.
- Experience using data analysis and statistical methods to improve yield, reliability, and process performance.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Willingness to support builds and troubleshooting at partner sites as needed.
- Ability to lift or move up to 50 lbs.
- Position is on site in Pleasanton, CA
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Experience with electronics, LiDAR systems, or optical sensing technologies.
- Exposure to automotive manufacturing or other high-reliability products.
- Working knowledge of electrical manufacturing processes (including FCT test and SMT) and mechanical manufacturing processes (including tooling and machining).
- Understanding of IOS standards and certification.
Base Annual Salary Range: $185K-225K
Why work at AEye, Inc
- Mission-Driven Work: The company is focused on saving lives and building safer autonomous systems for transportation and infrastructure.
- Culture: AEye emphasizes a collaborative, idea-sharing environment with values of innovation, creativity, and integrity. They believe in empowering employees to achieve their potential.
- Work Environment: Flexible and collaborative, located in the greater San Francisco Bay Area (Pleasanton, CA).
- Benefits: Competitive compensation packages, medical/dental/vision insurance, matching 401k plan, flexible time off, weekly team lunches, office snacks, and commuter benefits.
- Engineering Culture: The technical team comprises 28% of the workforce, with a focus on cutting-edge lidar, perception, and AI technology. Senior-level roles are prominent (16% senior, 15% other management).
- Remote/Hybrid Policy: Not explicitly stated, but the company offers a "flexible" work environment. The headquarters is in Pleasanton, CA, with a presence in Germany.