Meet the Team: Julia Zyatitski, Manufacturing Supervisor at Ophir Photonics

We’re happy to feature Julia in our Meet the Team series!

Starting as an assembler back in 2008, Julia worked her way up to become a Manufacturing Supervisor at Ophir Photonics. With a sharp eye for detail, a passion for improvement, and a deep sense of pride in contributing to Israel’s defense systems, her story is one of leadership and dedication.

Read on to learn more about her journey, her projects, and what she loves most about her role.

You’ve had a very broad career history. How did you go from being an assembler to becoming a Manufacturing Supervisor at Ophir Photonics?

I started working at Ophir in 2008 as an assembler in the Laser Measurement production department. I quickly learned to operate various workstations and gained extensive hands-on experience in assembly, along with soldering skills from a previous job. This helped me work efficiently and at a high standard of quality and also allowed me to troubleshoot processes and support others in the department.

My work was appreciated by management, and when the former team lead retired, I was offered the position. I’ve now been in this role for over 10 years, and I believe management is pleased with my performance.

What is your favorite part of your work?

I really enjoy working on new products. During assembly, there’s always an opportunity to improve the process and find the most efficient and high-quality way to get the job done.

What are some current projects you’re working on?

Last year, I took part in the new ASML project. I developed the assembly process from scratch for an internal component called the SA-Switches Carrier, and I also trained other employees to build it.

How do you keep up with the latest developments in your field?

We know that our sensors are used in systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling. During the war, we received several of these systems for periodic calibration and repair, and they were always given top priority. We’re very proud to contribute, in our own way, to the defense of our country.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I love traveling, both abroad and within Israel. On local trips, we often go hiking with our dog. She’s fairly large, so we look for remote spots away from crowds. Along the way, we’ve even discovered some beautiful new places. On a few occasions, we’ve also helped find homes for dogs, giving them a chance at a better life.

Thank you, Julia, for your dedication, your leadership, and for always going the extra mile, both at work and on the trail.