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.
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Set the direction and priorities for manufacturing operations and align them with company product and commercial goals
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Lead and develop an engineering team, setting clear expectations and accountability
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Manage relationships with external suppliers and manufacturing partners, including performance, escalation and corrective actions
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Oversee packaging, assembly and test activities for photonic hardware
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Ensure appropriate reliability, qualification and quality processes are in place
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Drive improvements in yield, performance and cost
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Work with engineering teams to ensure manufacturability, testability and reliability are considered throughout product development
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Collaborate with product and commercial teams to ensure customer requirements are understood and met
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Investigate and resolve manufacturing and quality issues, including root-cause analysis and corrective action
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Support supplier visits, audits and technical reviews
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Own operational risks, schedules and budgets for the function
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Continuously improve processes, tools and reporting standards
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Communicate technical findings clearly to both specialist and non-specialist stakeholders
The 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:
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Significant industrial experience in semiconductor, photonics or electronics manufacturing
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Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams
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Strong knowledge of semiconductor devices, electronics and packaging
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A strong understanding of test, reliability, qualification and quality principles
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Experience working with external suppliers, manufacturing partners or test houses
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The ability to analyse complex datasets and turn them into practical decisions
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Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
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Strong stakeholder-management skills across multidisciplinary teams
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The ability to communicate complex technical subjects clearly and concisely
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The confidence to challenge technical conclusions and provide clear guidance where required
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Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on key deliverables
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Experience in photonics, optoelectronics or optical interconnect
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Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment
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Strong knowledge of semiconductor packaging and assembly
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Experience working directly with OSATs or other outsourced manufacturing partners
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Experience auditing supplier quality, reliability or qualification activities
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Experience supporting customer quality and reliability requirements
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A background in failure analysis or root-cause investigation
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Experience developing operational processes from the ground up
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Exposure to data-centre, communications or other high-performance electronics environments
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Experience balancing technical rigour with commercial and programme timelines
Relevant 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.
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Head of Manufacturing Operations in Abingdon employer: Salience Labs Ltd
At Salience Labs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture. As a Business Operations Manager, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of critical operational workstreams in a fast-paced UK/US start-up environment, collaborating closely with a talented team dedicated to solving significant challenges in AI infrastructure. We offer a supportive atmosphere that encourages professional growth, along with unique benefits such as flexible working arrangements and the chance to make a tangible impact in a pioneering field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing Operations in Abingdon
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Salience Labs Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Salience Labs Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salience Labs Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Salience Labs Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Salience Labs Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
