Fiber Extrusion Engineering Manager

Fiber Extrusion Engineering Manager

A recognized leader in telecom manufacturing is expanding their fiber optic capabilities and looking for a process-driven engineering professional to help drive innovation and quality. With a strong market presence and a collaborative, people-focused culture, this company offers the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that support global broadband expansion—all while enjoying long-term career growth and stability.

The Fiber Manufacturing Process Engineering Lead will oversee extrusion operations and lead process improvement for fiber optic cable manufacturing. This position plays a critical role in optimizing production, managing technical staff, scaling new designs, and driving cross-functional collaboration. Ideal for someone who thrives in hands-on environments and is eager to take ownership of strategic manufacturing initiatives.

This Role Offers:

Significant ownership of the fiber extrusion function with executive visibility.

Pathway to broader operational or global engineering leadership.

Help build the team, shape strategy, and influence product innovation.

Competitive salary, performance bonus, and relocation assistance if needed.

Collaborative, low-turnover environment with strong internal support and a people-first philosophy.

Focus:

Lead day-to-day operations for the extrusion line, including startup, shutdown, changeovers, and material planning.

Design, refine, and scale manufacturing processes, tools, and fixtures to enhance throughput, efficiency, and quality.

Analyze key productivity indicators (KPIs), monitor line performance, and identify opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction.

Troubleshoot production issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.

Define and document extrusion best practices; develop training materials and mentor junior technicians.

Manage maintenance programs for tooling, equipment, and spares to prevent downtime and increase reliability.

Coordinate engineering efforts across departments (R&D, quality, production) to support process validation, new cable designs, and equipment integration.

Oversee small-scale manufacturing pilot runs and support scale-up to high-volume production.

Guide hiring and onboarding of new extrusion staff as the team scales.

Ensure compliance with ISO, quality management systems (QMS), and manufacturing best practices.

Skill Set:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Material Science, or a related technical discipline.

Minimum 8 years of hands-on experience in polymer extrusion or fiber cable manufacturing.

Proven expertise with fiber optic cable production processes and tools.

Background in telecom or cable manufacturing strongly preferred.

Solid understanding of SPC, process control, and equipment troubleshooting.

Experience working with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and automated production systems.

Strong project management capabilities and ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.

Excellent communication and team leadership skills.

Comfortable working in a dynamic, high-growth environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supporting international manufacturing projects.

Familiarity with BABA (Build America, Buy America) compliance practices.

Knowledge of raw material behavior, extrusion tooling, and line optimization.

Ability to train others and develop scalable process documentation.

About Blue Signal:

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS