Head of Manufacturing, Precision Optics

At Opdo, we are building a new manufacturing platform for optics. We combine AI-driven optical system design with radically faster fabrication workflows to make custom optics accessible on timelines the industry considers impossible. Our platform connects optical engineering, computational design, advanced fabrication, and manufacturing automation into a single workflow, from concept to physical part. We are now looking for a Head of Manufacturing to build and lead our precision optics manufacturing operation in Los Angeles. This is not a role for maintaining someone else's factory. This is a chance to build one. This is an opportunity to shape how next-generation optics are manufactured.

What You’ll Do

• Build and lead Opdo’s manufacturing operation from the ground up
• Establish workflows for high-precision optical fabrication and finishing
• Operate and optimize advanced manufacturing equipment, with strong preference for Single-Point Diamond Turning (SPDT), Ultra-precision machining, Optical polishing Freeform optics manufacturing
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a world-class manufacturing team
• Define QA and metrology processes for imaging-grade optics
• Work closely with optical designers, software engineers, and AI teams
• Help bridge prototype manufacturing into scalable production

What We’re Looking For

Strongly Preferred

• Significant hands-on experience with Single-Point Diamond Turning (SPDT), Ultra-precision machining systems, Optical fabrication environments
• Experience leading technicians, machinists, or manufacturing teams
• Strong understanding of tolerances, surface finish, and optical quality requirements
• Experience with metrology and precision QA workflows

Also Valuable

• Optical polishing expertise
• Freeform optics experience
• Medical, aerospace, semiconductor, or defense optics background
• Experience scaling prototype workflows into production
• Startup mentality

Why Join Opdo

• Build a manufacturing organization from the earliest stages
• Work on technology that does not exist elsewhere in the industry
• Direct influence on company direction and technical roadmap
• Small, elite, highly technical team
• Opportunity for significant long-term upside
• Access to cutting-edge optical manufacturing technologies
• Fast execution, minimal bureaucracy, ambitious vision

Ideal Candidate

You are someone who:

• Has spent years around precision machines
• Understands what “sub-micron” actually means in practice
• Cares deeply about process quality
• Can walk from the machine floor into a strategy discussion
• Wants to build something exceptional

Benefits

• Flexible Vacation / Paid Sick Time / Family Leave
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Stock Options

Pay Transparency

The anticipated salary range listed for this role is only an estimate. Actual compensation is carefully determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, education/training, work experience, and key skills.

Application

Send an email including your resume/CV to jobs@opdo.ai if interested in this role. Please include a few sentences about why you are interested in working at Opdo and how you think you will fit in with the team.

Note

Opdo benefit, compensation, and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program. Opdo is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Pay: $150,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person