Director, Manufacturing

Snap Inc is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. The Company’s three core products are Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world; Lens Studio, an augmented reality platform that powers AR across Snapchat and other services; and its AR glasses, Spectacles.

The Spectacles team is pushing the boundaries of technology to bring people closer together in the real world. Our fifth-generation Spectacles, powered by Snap OS, showcase how standalone, see-through AR glasses make playing, learning, and working better together.

Snapchat is a camera and messaging app that connects people to their friends and the world. Every day around the globe, millions of people use Snapchat to communicate with friends, build relationships, play, and learn. No matter where you are or how you express yourself, it’s always the fastest way to share a moment!   

Snap Inc. is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Director of Manufacturing to lead the production of our Spectacles AR glasses. This is a unique opportunity to build and scale manufacturing operations for a cutting-edge consumer hardware product that blends technology, user experience and fashion. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of complex manufacturing processes, a proven track record of delivering high-quality products, and a passion for driving innovation in a fast-paced environment.

What you’ll do:

• Operational Excellence:

  • Oversee all aspects of the manufacturing process, from prototype builds to mass production, ensuring adherence to quality standards and production schedules.

  • Establish and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) to track manufacturing performance, including yield, defect rate, cycle time, and on-time delivery.

  • Implement robust quality control systems and processes to ensure the highest level of product quality and reliability.

  • Manage production planning, inventory control, and logistics to ensure efficient and timely delivery of products.

• Strategic Leadership:

  • Develop and execute the overall manufacturing strategy for Spectacles AR, aligning with product roadmap, quality standards, and cost targets.

  • Identify and evaluate potential manufacturing partners (OEMs, CMs) globally.

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.

  • Stay abreast of the latest advancements in manufacturing technologies and processes relevant to AR hardware.

• Team Management:

  • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing manufacturing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.

  • Provide clear direction, set performance expectations, and conduct regular performance reviews.  

  • Promote a safe and compliant work environment.

• Cross-functional Collaboration:

  • Work closely with Product Design, Program Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance teams to ensure seamless product development and launch.

  • Collaborate with the engineering team to optimize product design for manufacturability (DFM).

  • Partner with the supply chain team to manage material sourcing, procurement, and supplier performance.

  • Work with quality assurance to define and implement quality control procedures throughout the manufacturing process.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes for complex electro-mechanical assemblies, including optics, electronics, and precision mechanics.

• Strong knowledge of quality management systems (QMS) and quality control methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing).

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.   

• Experience with AR/VR hardware manufacturing is a significant plus.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial) or a related field; Master's degree preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership roles, with a focus on consumer electronics or wearable technology.

• Proven experience in scaling manufacturing operations from prototype to mass production.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the development and manufacturing of optical components and systems.

• Knowledge of nano-fabrication techniques relevant to AR waveguide manufacturing.

• Experience with automated manufacturing systems.

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don’t be shy and provide us some information.

"Default Together" Policy at Snap: At Snap Inc. we believe that being together in person helps us build our culture faster, reinforce our values, and serve our community, customers and partners better through dynamic collaboration. To reflect this, we practice a “default together” approach and expect our team members to work in an office 4+ days per week. 

At Snap, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to create innovative products that improve the way people live and communicate. Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE, including disability/vets.

Our Benefits: Snap Inc. is its own community, so we’ve got your back! We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms. Our benefits are built around your needs and include paid parental leave, comprehensive medical coverage, emotional and mental health support programs, and compensation packages that let you share in Snap’s long-term success!

Compensation

In the United States, work locations are assigned a pay zone which determines the salary range for the position. The successful candidate’s starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. The starting pay may be negotiable within the salary range for the position. These pay zones may be modified in the future.

Zone A (CA, WA, NYC):

The base salary range for this position is $303,000-$455,000 annually.

Zone B:

The base salary range for this position is $288,000-$432,000 annually.

Zone C:

The base salary range for this position is $258,000-$387,000 annually.

This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs.