Operations Engineering Manager

Date: May 19, 2026

Location: Dunfermline, GB, KY11 8ZS

Company: Optos

Operations Engineering Manager
Dunfermline, Fife

 

ROLE SUMMARY

We are currently looking for an Operations Engineering Manager to join our team, based in Dunfermline.

The Operations Engineering Manager leads and develops the Operations Engineering team, setting direction and accountability for how Engineering supports manufacturing performance and product reliability.

This role balances people leadership with technical decision‑making, ensuring Engineering resources are capable, prioritised, and focused on delivering high quality effective outcomes.

Through strong cross‑functional collaboration and disciplined Engineering governance, the Operations Engineering Manager enables stable manufacturing operations and drives sustained improvements in product and process performance.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead, mentor, and develop the Operations Engineering team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, ownership, and continuous improvement.
  • Allocate Engineering resources effectively across sustaining initiatives, support activities, investigations, and improvement projects.
  • Oversee Engineering support to Manufacturing to ensure stable, predictable production performance and resolve any issues.
  • Ensure Engineering Change Orders are delivered, with quality, clarity and pace.
  • Oversee Engineering investigations into product issues originating in suppliers, manufacturing, or field environments.
  • Apply structured Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA) methodologies and drive implementation of long‑term solutions.
  • Ensure effective containment and risk mitigation during escalations. Collaborate with various departments to validate corrective actions and prevent recurrence.
  • Ensure all Operations Engineering activities comply with internal procedures, quality systems, and regulatory expectations and promote strong engineering governance.
  • Support audit readiness through accurate, complete, and traceable Engineering records.
  • Identify and lead Engineering initiatives that improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce defects, and enhance product reliability.
  • Analyse performance trends and drive preventive actions to improve long‑term product behaviour in manufacturing and the field.
  • Develop and standardise tools, practices, and workflows to increase Engineering capability and operational effectiveness.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Optical, Manufacturing, Reliability or related Engineering discipline.
  • Proven leadership experience in Operations, Manufacturing, Sustaining, Reliability or Product Engineering within a quality‑critical industry (e.g., MedTech, Automotive, Aerospace, Defence).
  • Demonstrated experience managing Engineering investigations, change control, supplier technical engagement, and manufacturing process improvement.
  • Strong capability in structured problem‑solving methods (RCCA, 8D, 5‑Whys, FMEA, DOE).
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision‑making skills.
  • Experience working with complex electro‑mechanical, optical, electronic, or software‑enabled products.
  • Experience leading Engineering teams in quality-critical manufacturing environments.
  • Skilled in prioritising Engineering work based on business needs, operational risk, and strategic impact.
  • Demonstrated capability in coaching Engineers in structured problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Experience leading change initiatives across processes and business systems.
  • Strong ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment across Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with quality systems and regulated environments (e.g., ISO 13485), sufficient to oversee compliance.

 

If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience and want to join a great team, please click on the Apply button!