What are the responsibilities and job description for the Prototype Shop Production Expediter position at Bowhead?
Overview
PROTOTYPE SHOP PRODUCTION EXPEDITER (AT):
The Prototype Shop Production Expediter plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient flow of materials, tools, and information throughout the production process in a machine shop environment. This position focuses on tracking production schedules, coordinating resources, resolving delays, and facilitating communication between departments to meet production deadlines and quality standards. The position is 100% on site at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, MD.
Responsibilities
- Monitor production schedules and progress to ensure on-time completion of jobs.
- Coordinate with purchasing, inventory, and supply chain teams to ensure the availability of raw materials, tools, and parts required for production.
- Act as a liaison between machine shop personnel, supervisors, and management to resolve bottlenecks and production delays.
- Identify and prioritize urgent orders, ensuring they are expedited as needed.
- Track and report production metrics, including downtime, delays, and performance against schedules.
- Proactively address issues that may hinder production efficiency, such as equipment breakdowns, material shortages, or staffing gaps.
- Communicate production status updates to all relevant stakeholders.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to optimize workflow and reduce lead times.
Duties:
- Review work orders and ensure production schedules align with customer deadlines.
- Reprioritize jobs based on changing demands and urgency.
- Ensure materials, tools, and components are available at the correct workstations when needed.
- Track inventory levels and coordinate with procurement for timely replenishment.
- Troubleshoot issues causing delays and implement corrective actions.
- Escalate complex production challenges to supervisors or management.
- Maintain clear and consistent communication with machinists, team leads, and other departments.
- Prepare daily or weekly production status reports and update management on potential risks.
- Identify inefficiencies in the production workflow and recommend improvements.
- Participate in process audits and quality control checks to ensure compliance with standards.
Qualifications
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, or a related field preferred.
Experience:
- Two (2 ) years of experience in a manufacturing or machine shop environment, preferably in production planning or expediting roles.
Skills:
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in production management software (e.g., ERP/MRP systems).
- Basic understanding of machining processes and equipment is a plus.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and work orders.
Physical Demand:
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- Frequent walking, standing, and moving between workstations in the machine shop environment.
- Ability to lift and move materials or parts weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Regular exposure to noise, dust, and vibrations typical of a machine shop.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
- Occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching to access materials or equipment.
SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.
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