Astera Labs (NASDAQ: ALAB) provides rack-scale AI infrastructure through purpose-built connectivity solutions. By collaborating with hyperscalers and ecosystem partners, Astera Labs enables organizations to unlock the full potential of modern AI. Astera Labs’ Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates CXL®, Ethernet, NVLink, PCIe®, and UALink™ semiconductor-based technologies with the company’s COSMOS software suite to unify diverse components into cohesive, flexible systems that deliver end-to-end scale-up, and scale-out connectivity. The company’s custom connectivity solutions business complements its standards-based portfolio, enabling customers to deploy tailored architectures to meet their unique infrastructure requirements. Discover more at www.asteralabs.com. AsteraLabs Germany GmbH, located in Aachen, is part of the connectivity group and specialized in the design and production of highly scalable fiber-to-the-chip connector solutions, based on micro-optical components. As head of the entire production department, the Director Production is responsible for the overarching definition and control of all production processes for the micro-optical connector units as well as the management of the entire production team with the aim of safe, on-time, quality- and cost-efficient series production. Location: On-Site - Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Area of responsibility Job Description   Operational production control * Ensuring a smooth production process in compliance with labor regulations as well as relevant quality, safety and environmental standards. * Ensuring the relevant documentation of work results, deviations and corrective actions. * Determination and analysis of relevant production key figures as well as initiation and monitoring of relevant control measures. Organization and resource planning * Operational production planning as well as efficient resource and deployment planning of machines, systems, raw materials and auxiliary materials. * Establishment of production regulations and maintenance schedules. * Ensuring the necessary work preparation, including scheduling and logistics, as well as relevant maintenance. Personnel management and department development * Disciplinary management of employees. * Conducting feedback meetings, approving vacations, and monitoring absenteeism * Planning of operational division development and participation in investment decisions for plants and operating resources. * Personnel planning as well as employee selection and conducting interviews. Quality assurance and continuous improvement * Participation in the preparation of work and test instructions. * Continuous improvement of production processes using lean management and CIP methods. * Support in supplier selection and management as well as customer and supplier complaints. Training & Communication * Ensuring all necessary employee training (e.g. occupational safety, process changes) * Regular presence on the production lines, exchange and support of team leaders and employees on site. * Identification of development needs. Requirements  * Completed technical studies (e.g. mechanical engineering, production technology, industrial engineering) or further training as a technician/master craftsman with appropriate professional experience * Several years of professional experience in a leading position in large-scale/series production, in optics, medical or semiconductor. * Experience in employee management and development as well as capacity and deployment planning * Strong communication and assertiveness skills * Deep understanding and long-term experience in high precision and highly automated production and testing processes * Very good understanding of processes as well as analytical and result-oriented thinking, using statistical quality and process data to be used for problem solving and continuous improvement. * Confident handling of MES / ERP systems and MS Office * High quality awareness, organizational strength and willingness to take responsibility with hands-on mentality * Very good written and spoken English skills Advantageous * Experience with production in cleanrooms. * Extended knowledge and experience in the field of lean production and/or Six Sigma Interfaces * Head of Operations (reporting line) * Development, maintenance, quality assurance, occupational safety * Human Resources * External service providers and authorities     We know that creativity and innovation happen more often when teams include diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, and we actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.