Operations Specialist - Leadership Development Program
At a glance
Mid-level Learning & Development role at Excelitas. Boulder · $60,000–$80,000 base.
hrroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Deliver operations and supply chain projects with measurable results tied to business goals
- Use operational data to find improvement opportunities and guide decisions
- Work with engineering, quality, planning, procurement, and site leaders across rotations
- Apply the Excelitas Operating System to cut costs, shorten cycle times, and reduce waste
- Present rotation results and recommendations to steering committees, site leaders, and executives
What you bring
- A bachelor’s in industrial, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering, or supply chain management, completed near the program start
- The ability to relocate among manufacturing sites during the two-year program
- Leadership shown through study, internships, work, or extracurricular activities
- U.S. work authorization that does not require visa sponsorship
Who this fits
This program is aimed at recent graduates building experience in operations and supply chain through two year-long rotations at North American manufacturing sites. You’ll need to relocate between sites, with placements determined by business needs. Internship or co-op experience and familiarity with continuous improvement methods are preferred.
From the employer
ENABLE your future through light.
Excelitas is a global technology leader with more than 7,500 employees, focused on delivering market-driven solutions to fulfill the illumination, optical, detection and imaging needs of OEMs and end-users across the biomedical, semiconductor, industrial, consumer products, scientific, security, defense and aerospace sectors.
ENGAGE with us today and make your contribution to the future! Join the team that leading technology companies turn to for cutting-edge photonic innovation. At Excelitas Technologies you are how we EXCEL.
The Opportunity
We are seeking top new-graduate talent to join our Operations Leadership Development Program. This two-year rotational program is designed to invest in emerging talent and grow the next generation of operations and supply chain professionals within our manufacturing teams. Over two 12-month rotations across our manufacturing sites, you will take on meaningful ownership of high-impact assignments while building broad, cross-functional experience — supported by a structured development curriculum, dedicated mentorship, and direct exposure to senior leadership.
Program Structure
- Two-year program consisting of two 12-month rotations.
- Rotations assigned based on business needs
- Relocation between North American manufacturing sites over the course of the program.
Rotation Opportunities
- OpEx Leader — Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the Excelitas Operating System (EOS).
- Manufacturing Engineer — Optimize processes, tooling, and production systems.
- Operations Supervisor — Lead production teams, manage production, and drive safety.
- Materials Planner — Demand planning, inventory, and supply scheduling.
- Procurement Specialist — Supplier sourcing, negotiations, and supply chain strategy.
- Quality Engineer — Quality systems, root-cause analysis, and process control.
What You'll Do
- Own and deliver measurable results on operations and supply chain assignments tied to real business objectives.
- Analyze operational data to identify improvement opportunities and drive data-informed decisions.
- Partner cross-functionally with engineering, quality, planning, procurement, and site leadership.
- Apply continuous improvement principles through the Excelitas Operating System to reduce cost, cycle time, and waste.
- Present rotation outcomes and recommendations to the steering committee, site leaders, and executives.
Development & Mentorship
- Mentorship & Guidance — Regular 1:1s with program director, program mentor, site leader, rotation manager, and HR.
- Annual LDP Summit — Leadership panels, guest speakers, peer networking, and participant project presentations.
- End-of-Rotation Report-Outs — Present rotation outcomes to the steering committee, site leaders, and operational executives.
- Leadership Workshops — Leadership development sessions and industry training.
- Program Performance Reviews — Structured performance tracking and feedback at mid- and end-of-rotation.
Throughout the program, you'll build the skills, experience, and network to grow a long-term career at Excelitas.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or Supply Chain Management, completed within ~12 months of the program start date.
- Willingness and ability to relocate between manufacturing sites over the two-year program.
- Demonstrated leadership through academics, internships, work experience, or extracurricular involvement.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Internship or co-op experience in manufacturing, operations, or supply chain is preferred.
- Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
- Experience working in an ISO9001, 14001, 13485 certified, and/or FDA QSR compliant environment is preferred.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.
Benefits start day 1: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Self-Managed Vacation, Holiday Pay, PAID Maternity/Paternity leave, Tuition Reimbursement, Long-term and Short-term disability.
Pay Range: $60,000 - $80,000 depending on experience
Join Excelitas Technologies for meaningful innovation, a collaborative values-driven culture, global growth opportunities, and a workplace built on trust, accountability, and ownership.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Minorities/Females/Disability/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation
Excelitas is seeking leaders and innovators to join our global team! Visit: https://jobs.excelitas.com/