Job Description

Mini-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.

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 Leadership

• Own end-to-end Hi-Rel operations including production, screening, testing, and shipment readiness
• Work closely with Manufacturing Control to support production planning, scheduling, and issue resolution
• Lead daily operations across assembly, inspection, reliability testing, and external labs/vendors
• Ensure adherence to all Hi-Rel and up-screening requirements, including customer and regulatory standards

Program & Execution Management

• Oversee planning, scheduling, and execution of all Hi-Rel programs
• Champion SAP implementation and integration initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and data visibility
• Drive development and maintenance of detailed production schedules and Gantt charts to ensure on-time delivery
• Identify and manage critical paths, risks, and constraints across multiple concurrent programs
• Ensure seamless transition from product development to production and screening
• Develop and monitor KPIs to evaluate program success, on-time delivery, and operational efficiency
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and vendor management for Hi-Rel programs

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Applications, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to define and execute Hi-Rel requirements
• Ensure 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 capabilities

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with reliability standards, customer specifications, and internal quality systems
• Escalate quality issues and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Partner with Quality & Reliability teams to maintain and improve screening effectiveness
• Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and audit readiness within SAP and operational systems

Continuous Improvement

• Lead initiatives to improve throughput, reduce cycle time, and increase operational efficiency
• Analyze past project performance to eliminate recurring issues
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to optimize Hi-Rel processes
• Identify opportunities for efficiency, scalability, and risk mitigation across Hi-Rel operations
• Build and optimize operational workflows and systems
• Analyze operational data (including SAP data) to inform strategic decisions
• Lead change management efforts related to process and system improvements

Reporting & Communication

• Provide regular updates to leadership on program status, risks, and performance metrics
• Develop and track KPIs related to on-time delivery, yield, cycle time, and quality
• Serve as the primary escalation point for Hi-Rel operational issues

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing Hi-Rel operations team
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
• Foster a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement

The 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 industries
• Familiarity with ITAR, AS9100, MIL-STD, or similar standards
• Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma certification
• 8–12+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations, with significant exposure to high-reliability environments
• 3–5+ years in a leadership or management role
• Strong understanding of Hi-Rel and up-screening processes, including:
  • Thermal Shock, Vibration, Mechanical Shock
  • Burn-in, Life Testing, Environmental Stress Screening (ESS)
  • Radiographic Inspection, C-SAM, and related methods
• Familiarity 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 analysis
• Strong project management skills (PMP preferred)
• Strategic thinker with strong execution focus
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making capability in fast-paced environments

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfullyperform theessentialfunctionsofthisjob.Whileperformingthedutiesofthisjob,theemployee is regularlyrequired to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to operate a computer keyboard. The employee is occasionallyrequired 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 Focus

• Displays enthusiasm and Passion for their work
• Works to the standard of Uncompromising Quality by meeting or exceeding stated objectives and embracing continuous improvement
• Exercises sound Business Judgement, ensuring that efforts are on track with the Company’s goals
• Operates with the mindset of Customer Obsession – by meeting or exceeding expectations to both internal and external customers
• Takes Accountability by taking ownership and accepting responsibility for their conduct and contributions
• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency and accomplishes tasks with Speed and attention to detail
• Cooperates, collaborates and contributes to shared goals with a strong sense of Teamwork
• Conducts themselves with Honesty & Integrity and treats all members with Trust & Respect

Additional Requirements/Skills

• Comply,understand,andsupportcorporatesafetyinitiativestoensureasafework environment
• AbilityandwillingnesstoabidebyCompany’sCodeof Conduct
• Occasionaltravel,someovernight,as required

Disclaimer: 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.

Mini-Circuits is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, gender identity, gender dysphoria, pregnancy-related condition, and domestic violence victim status or protected class characteristic, or any other protected characteristic as established by federal or state law.