Optical Manufacturing Team Lead {D}

ARKA Group L.P. (“ARKA”) is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA brings modern approaches and a culture of innovation to the challenges of today.

Join the ARKA team to learn how Beyond Begins Here. Discover your next career opportunity now!

Position Overview:

The Optical Fabrication Team Lead will be responsible for ensuring quality, schedule, and cost objectives are met through coordination of the manufacturing team, engineering counterparts, and functional management. Further responsibilities will include maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the work area and performing hands-on training with junior personnel.

Responsibilities:

In this position, you will be responsible for:

• Planning and support of various facility and equipment upgrade projects within the work center
• Developing, training, and coaching employees to be responsible and accountable for their individual and team performance
• Managing employee time and attendance for timely and accurate payroll processing
• Actively monitoring process controls and instructions in concert with Manufacturing Engineering
• Prioritizing production schedules based on product induction, equipment efficiency, and materials supply while identifying areas of improvement
• Monitoring and adjusting internal stock of production materials to ensure ongoing production capacity
• Grinding, polishing, and figuring various optical materials to specified tolerances utilizing optical processing machinery as directed by written work instruction
• Continuous polishing of various materials
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings and technical work instructions
• Ensuring proper cleaning of machinery and overall organization of the work area
• Complying with all environmental, health, and safety requirements
• Supporting Quality Calibration to maintain compliance
• Other duties as required

Required Qualifications:

• High School Degree or equivalent
• The ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance
• Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on manufacturing experience
• Proven experience in leading, motivating, coaching, and training others
• Computer proficiency with the willingness to learn new technologies
• Ability to speak up as appropriate and escalate issues as required
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Solid communication, presentation, and organizational skills

Location: Danbury, CT

Located in beautiful Fairfield County, Danbury offers a diverse economy, wonderful parks, cultural attractions, an impressive mix of private and public educational institutions and a vibrant arts scene. Our facility is nestled among a remarkable selection of communities to call home all with varying price points to fit many different budgets. We’re close to New York City, Boston, and other major cities – great for day trips and weekend getaways. Our lovely seasons along with award-winning institutions, colleges, cultural events, and a genuine sense of community brings a diverse population to the beautiful state of Connecticut!

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions
• 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events
• 13 paid holidays
• Upfront tuition assistance for approved degree programs
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Ehs/Environmental Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions, operate tools and/or machinery with hands and arms and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. The employee will use protective equipment to work with chemicals, move between workstations, reach, and replace equipment, and move items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to staffing@arka.org or contact 203-797-5000 and press 2 for Human Resources.

Itc & Security Clearance Requirements:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.  This position also requires U.S. citizenship in support of contract requirements. Additionally, if you are a dual citizen (a citizen of the U.S. and another country), the Company must obtain approval for you to have access to the information required for this position. You will not be able to begin employment until such approval is obtained and this may take several months.

Visa Restrictions:

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Pre-Employment Screenings:

Employment with any ARKA companies in the U.S. is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check, and drug screen.