Defect Reduction Engineer Jobs in Tempe, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary: 

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing all manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality products. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across Machining, Assembly, Quality Assurance (QA), Test & Validation, Production Planning, and related support functions. The Director of Operations drives continuous improvement initiatives, operational excellence, capacity planning, and cross-functional collaboration to meet customer requirements, business objectives, and growth targets.

Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company goals, customer requirements, and business growth objectives.
• Lead daily manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are achieved.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational performance and accountability.
• Create a culture focused on continuous improvement, employee engagement, and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, industry standards, regulatory requirements, and safety regulations.

Machining Operations Management

• Direct all machining activities, including CNC machining, fabrication, tooling, and related manufacturing processes.
• Optimize equipment utilization, throughput, cycle times, and labor efficiency.
• Develop capacity plans to support customer demand and growth initiatives.
• Partner with Engineering to improve manufacturability, reduce costs, and enhance production capability.
• Oversee preventative maintenance and equipment investment strategies.

Assembly Operations Management

• Lead assembly operations to ensure efficient workflow, productivity, and product quality.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve operational performance.
• Drive process standardization and work instruction development.
• Ensure production resources are effectively aligned with customer requirements and schedules.

Quality Assurance Leadership

• Oversee Quality Assurance systems and ensure compliance with applicable quality standards and customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain robust quality processes that support first-pass yield and defect reduction goals.
• Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives and root-cause analysis efforts.
• Partner with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to resolve quality issues and improve overall performance.
• Foster a culture of quality ownership throughout the organization.

Test & Validation Management

• Lead all product testing and validation activities to ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and customer specifications.
• Establish testing protocols, validation processes, and data review procedures.
• Ensure timely execution of testing activities to support production schedules and new product introductions.
• Drive continuous improvement of testing methodologies and equipment utilization.

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Oversee production planning, scheduling, capacity analysis, and inventory optimization.
• Ensure production plans support customer delivery commitments while maximizing operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Sales teams to balance demand and production capacity.
• Identify and mitigate production risks that may impact delivery performance.
• Drive continuous improvement in forecasting accuracy and scheduling effectiveness.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, delivery performance, and cost efficiency.
• Champion data-driven decision-making and performance management.
• Implement best practices to improve manufacturing processes and scalability.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage operating budgets for manufacturing functions.
• Monitor operational spending and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Drive initiatives that improve profitability, productivity, and return on investment.
• Support capital expenditure planning and justification activities.

Talent Development & Leadership

• Build, develop, and mentor high-performing teams across operations functions.
• Establish succession planning and workforce development strategies.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Lead organizational change initiatives and support business growth objectives.

Education & Experience

·         Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field required 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.

·         5+ years in a senior operations leadership role overseeing multiple manufacturing functions.

·         Experience managing machining, assembly, quality assurance, test & Validation, and production planning functions.

·         Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

·         Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing performance metrics.

·         Experience with Epicor a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·         Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, quality systems, and operational excellence.

·         Proven leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.

·         Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

·         Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.

·         Ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

·         Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing and production environment with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, noise, temperature variations, and industrial chemicals consistent with standard manufacturing operations.
• Ability to routinely walk production floors, warehouses, laboratories, and test areas for extended periods.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods during facility tours, audits, inspections, and operational reviews.
• Ability to occasionally climb stairs, ladders, platforms, and access elevated work areas while adhering to safety requirements.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed to observe production processes, equipment, and workflow activities.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Visual ability to inspect products, equipment, production processes, quality documentation, and performance metrics.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual meeting platforms.
• Ability to travel between manufacturing facilities, suppliers, customer sites, and industry events, as required (up to 25% travel, depending on business needs).
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe footwear, and other protective equipment when working in designated manufacturing areas.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and mobile devices for extended periods.

Additional Requirements, if any:

·         Full-time position consisting of 40+ hours per week; Monday through Friday, hours are 8:00am – 5:00pm. This position may require overtime and/or weekend work due to customer needs or deadlines.

·         The position requires onsite presence for the stated work hours. Remote work is not available.

·         Pre-employment drug test and background check required.

VirTra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

VirTra’s mission is ensuring those who serve return home safely each day by delivering intense, effective, realistic training. Our attention to detail prepares front line heroes to confidently handle the unexpected.