Team Leader, Plano A-shift position, with the expectation of flexibility to provide leadership coverage across a three-shift operation as business needs evolve.
A unique corporate culture combined with a dynamic work environment At Optimax, we build lenses that power cutting-edge technologies in aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics. Our optics help shape breakthroughs that benefit humanity and protect our freedom. We offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. We are looking for motivated individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to impactful projects.
Job Summary and Essential Job Duties The Team Leader is responsible for day‑to‑day production execution, technician support, and short‑term planning (up to one week ahead). As the first line of leadership, the Team Leader ensures that technicians have clear priorities, equipment is functioning properly, and production goals are met safely and efficiently. This role balances technical execution with people development, ensuring consistent quality, timely delivery, and continuous improvement.
Team Leaders embody The Optimax Way by fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation while supporting the development of technicians and future leaders.
Key Responsibilities
Daily Production Leadership
- Assign and oversee technician workstation assignments to ensure balanced workflow and efficient execution.
- Manage daily production runs and ensure alignment with Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Productivity expectations.
- Facilitate Daily Market Meetings and maintain Market Boards to drive communication and accountability.
- Review and adjust weekly production schedules to support departmental priorities and customer commitments.
- Set, monitor, and communicate employee‑level KPIs.
Issue Escalation & Troubleshooting
- Ensure technicians escalate equipment or manufacturing issues after troubleshooting.
- Partner with the Group Leader to jointly troubleshoot issues.
- Engage Engineering and/or Maintenance to ensure timely resolution.
- Lead firefighting activities and ensure escalation protocols are followed consistently.
- Coordinate with Engineering and Maintenance on equipment issues, process improvements, and corrective actions.
People Leadership & Technician Development
- Conduct regular 1:1s with technicians to provide coaching, feedback, and development support.
- Oversee training execution in collaboration with Management and Engineering.
- Facilitate team meetings and support leadership development initiatives.
- Approve PTO requests and support performance management processes.
- Reinforce expectations, provide timely feedback, and support a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Cross‑Functional Communication & Coordination
- Provide timely status updates to PPC and Project Managers.
- Participate in new job process approvals and ensure readiness for execution.
- Maintain shift‑to‑shift handoff documentation and ensure smooth communication across teams.
- Collaborate with Engineering on SOP development, updates, and implementation.
Continuous Improvement & Administrative Leadership
- Streamline routine communications and administrative tasks to improve efficiency.
- Ensure meetings are purposeful, efficient, and outcome‑driven.
- Lead 5S activities within assigned work cells.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in partnership with Engineering, Group Leaders, and technicians.
Education Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required; additional technical coursework or leadership development preferred.
Minimum Requirements
- Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and workflow.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and support a team in a production environment.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing production needs.
- Commitment to modeling The Optimax Way and supporting business needs, including flexibility across shifts when required.
Work Requirements
Physical Demands
- Standing, walking, and interacting on the production floor for extended periods.
- Ability to observe work areas, equipment, and processes to support decision‑making and leadership presence.
- Standard vision requirements for manufacturing environments.
Work Environment
- Primarily a manufacturing environment with varying noise levels.
- May involve exposure to oils, solvents, and moving mechanical parts.
- Requires adherence to area‑specific safety training and procedures.
- May be assigned to various production areas as operational needs require.
Compensation & Benefits Optimax offers competitive compensation based on experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Bonus: 25% Monthly Profit Sharing
- Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education
- Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision options
- 401(k): Retirement plan with employer match
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and paid holidays
- Other Benefits: Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA)
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Optimax is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics, including disability, veteran status, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, color, gender identity, or any other protected status.
ITAR Compliance:
Employment at Optimax Systems, Inc. is subject to export control compliance requirements, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) issued by the United States Department of State, Department of Defense Trade Controls, and the Export Administration Regulations. Learn more about the ITAR here. To meet export control compliance requirements for this position, an applicant must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by applicable regulations or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. “U.S. Person” includes a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact our Human Resources team at 585-265-1020.