Manufacturing Supervisor

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Manufacturing Supervisor will oversee and lead production operations in key areas: New Production Introductions (NPI), Unmanned Systems (Robotics/Autonomous Systems), and Service Returns. This role involves overseeing the transition from engineering development to manufacturing for new product launches, ensuring seamless integration of unmanned systems into production processes, and managing the efficient handling of service returns.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

New Production Introductions (Engineering Development):

• Supervise the manufacturing team during the engineering development phase of new products, ensuring all processes align with product specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to evaluate design for manufacturability, identifying potential issues or inefficiencies early in the process.
• Coordinate NPI schedules, resources, and timelines, ensuring all critical milestones are met.
• Ensure seamless transition from prototype to production by providing continuous feedback and recommendations for process optimization.
• Oversee quality control measures during the NPI phase, ensuring products meet all required standards and specifications.
  
  

Unmanned Systems (Robotics & Autonomous Systems):

• Lead and manage the integration of unmanned systems (i.e., autonomous vehicles) into the manufacturing line.
• Ensure the smooth operation and troubleshooting of unmanned systems, collaborating with technical teams for maintenance, upgrades, and optimization.
• Train and guide manufacturing personnel in the use and upkeep of unmanned systems, ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
• Monitor system performance and resolve any technical or process issues that may arise.
• Drive continuous improvements to unmanned system processes to enhance production efficiency and reduce downtime.
  
  

Service Returns:

• Oversee the service returns process, managing the receipt, inspection, and disposition of returned products.
• Coordinate with the service team to identify the root cause of product failures, supporting the development of corrective actions.
• Implement effective workflows to ensure fast and efficient handling of service returns, minimizing delays in repair or refurbishment.
• Ensure all returned products are documented accurately, tracked through the repair process, and returned to customers in a timely manner.
• Continuously evaluate and improve processes for service returns to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure customer satisfaction.
  
  

Other Job Functions

• Perform assembly work as required.
• Create a positive, collaborative work environment, fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide feedback, set goals, and support employee growth through training and development opportunities.
• Actively participate in the recruitment and hiring process for new staff, ensuring that the team is staffed with qualified and capable individuals.
• Ensure that deliveries meet or exceed contract requirements.
• Perform long range planning to ensure workflow and manning is balanced as effectively as possible.
• Interface with customers and suppliers as necessary.
• Manage preparation of manufacturing instructions and process instructions.
• Ensures Compliance with QMS procedures. Evaluates processes and practices for more efficient and effective methods and recommends changes as needed.
• Must be at assigned worksite during assigned hours 100% of time; less PTO, FML/STD/LTD.
• Other duties may be assigned.
  
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing assemblers and support staff.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules
• Ability to read and interpret assembly drawings and component identifications
• Ability to work with minute parts and demonstrate finger dexterity
• Ability to form and bend wires to specifications
• Ability to work with stripping tools, wire cutters, soldering equipment, pace rework machine, SMT mounting and insertion tools, coax cable assembly tools, degreasers, and other tools of trade
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams effectively.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, especially in high-tech or engineering-focused environments.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineering, quality control, and other internal teams.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and changing production environments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with an ability to handle multiple priorities.
  
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• HS Diploma or equivalent, 2-year collegiate degree preferred
• Experience with developing work instructions and process problem identification
• Experience planning, scheduling and managing production preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience in New Product Introductions (NPI), unmanned systems integration, or robotics is a plus.
• Proven track record in managing service returns processes or reverse logistics.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, process optimization, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Production environment
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (use of arm-hand steadiness, finger dexterity, manual dexterity for small parts assembly, frequent use)
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• 20/20 vision and color vision with or without corrective lenses
  
  

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES

EEO/M/F/D/V


Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

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