Operations Manager

MKS Instruments

. Lead and direct the manufacturing factory’s day-to-day operations .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeAndover • Massachusetts • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $109,750 - $182,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading manufacturing operations, focusing on efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement while managing production teams and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and developing capacity and staffing plans to optimize factory performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Lean ManufacturingProduction PlanningCapacity PlanningTeam LeadershipContinuous Improvement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Manufacturing ProcessesProduction SchedulingLabor ManagementStandard Operating ProceduresJob Safety AnalysesQuality Control6S MethodologyProblem-Solving MethodologiesTraining Program DevelopmentBudgetary Recommendations

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationCoachingConflict ResolutionOrganizational Skills

Tools & Technologies

Manufacturing ToolsCalibration EquipmentLogistics Coordination

Industry Keywords

New Product IntroductionCross-Functional CollaborationSafety ComplianceProduction Ramp ActivitiesITAR Regulations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and direct the manufacturing factory’s day-to-day operations
Drive long-term initiatives focused on operational efficiency, productivity, quality, and value creation
Lead production scheduling, direct labor management, manufacturing processes, safety, 6S/Lean initiatives, quality, and continuous improvement
Support New Product Introduction (NPI), capacity planning, and staffing plans
Serve as the primary escalation point for production, personnel, material, quality, technical, process, and cross-functional issues
Lead and supervise Production and Test Supervisors and manufacturing personnel
Manage time and attendance, shift schedules, PTO, sick time, overtime, and employee start/stop times
Develop and maintain capacity and staffing models
Manage employee performance, including reviews, goal setting, coaching, feedback, disciplinary actions, interviewing, hiring, and termination
Ensure compliance with manufacturing processes, procedures, work instructions, safety requirements, and company policies
Lead daily production meetings across fabrication, assembly, and test work cells
Coordinate shipping and receiving priorities with Logistics
Ensure manufacturing tools and equipment are maintained and calibrated
Identify material shortages and coordinate expediting with Purchasing and Planning
Resolve production issues and implement corrective actions
Provide budgetary recommendations for capital expenditures and labor requirements
Lead 6S and Lean manufacturing activities
Define, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures and workmanship standards
Train, coach, and develop employees
Develop capacity plans based on cycle time, demand forecasts, labor availability, and equipment requirements
Translate capacity requirements into staffing and facilities planning
Maintain training matrices and cross-training plans
Develop Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and implement safety controls
Drive continuous improvement in quality, efficiency, cycle time, first-pass yield, productivity, and factory performance
Identify opportunities to eliminate waste, improve flow, reduce downtime, and optimize labor and equipment utilization
Support manufacturing readiness, process capability, training, tooling, and staffing for production launches
Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, Purchasing, and other cross-functional teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field preferred (not required)
7+ years of progressive manufacturing or factory operations experience, with demonstrated leadership responsibility
Experience managing production teams, supervisors, and direct labor personnel in a manufacturing environment
Strong understanding of production planning, capacity planning, scheduling, labor management, and manufacturing processes
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 6S, continuous improvement, and problem-solving methodologies
Ability to develop and implement standard work, work instructions, training programs, and safety procedures
Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, Purchasing, and Logistics
Strong analytical and organizational skills
Excellent communication, leadership, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills
Ability to prioritize competing demands and make effective decisions in a fast-paced production environment
Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and production ramp activities preferred
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as required
Ability to stand, walk, and operate in a warehouse environment for extended periods
Dedication to safety when handling mechanical and electrical hardware, high voltage, gas, water, and heat
Flexibility to support operations across three different shifts and adjust or change shifts as business needs require
Certain positions may require U.S. person status under ITAR or EAR regulations
Generally must reside in a state where MKS is registered to do business

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual salary range of $109,750–$182,900
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities
Equal opportunity and affirmative action employer
Background checks and drug screens conducted in accordance with applicable law and company policies