Production Supervisor

Position Description

We’re looking for a hands-on, experienced Production Supervisor to lead the transition of innovative products from concept to low rate production. In this hybrid role, you’ll combine new product development leadership with direct oversight of manufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in machining, tooling, and fabrication, with additional experience in molds, dies, and outside processing (plating, heat treating, powder coating). You should be proficient in SolidWorks, the Microsoft Office Suite, and familiar with 3D printing for prototyping or tooling applications.

You’ll manage pilot builds, optimize production lines, and lead cross-functional teams spanning design, manufacturing, and quality.

If you’re a detail-oriented leader who thrives in a fast-paced, technically challenging environment, we’d like to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Launch - Lead the transition of new products from design to manufacturing by managing pilot builds, collaborating with design, engineering, and quality teams to optimize manufacturability and cost, and defining assembly, finishing, and inspection procedures.

Oversee daily activities during pilot and ramp-up phases. Supervise operators, technicians, and assemblers, ensuring adherence to work instructions and quality standards. Plan and coordinating schedules with balanced resources, and monitoring real-time metrics to implement corrective actions as needed.

Process & Equipment Development - Optimize plant layouts, implement equipment and tooling, apply lean principles (5S, Kaizen, SMED, takt-time), and lead root cause analyses and corrective actions to improve efficiency and quality.

Tooling, Molds, and Fixtures - Oversee tooling design, fabrication, and maintenance, collaborating with toolmakers to enhance performance and longevity, approving cost-effective designs, and supporting prototype and short-run tooling, including 3D-printed components.

Outside Processing (OSP)- Coordinate outside processing activities like plating, heat treating, and powder coating, ensuring vendors meet quality, cost, and delivery standards, reviewing specifications for compliance, and integrating processes into production schedules and quality plans.

Cross-Functional Leadership - Serve as the primary liaison between Engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams, facilitating rapid feedback during pilot and ramp-up builds while ensuring accurate documentation and traceability of design revisions, process deviations, and assembly improvements.

Minimum Requirements

  • Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, production, or product development roles.
  • SolidWorks Certified; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Proven experience in machining operations (mills, lathes, grinders, abrading hand tools).
  • Working knowledge of welding, molds, dies, and tool manufacturing/design.
  • Experience managing outside processing operations such as plating, heat treating, and powder coating.
  • Familiarity with 3D printing for prototyping, tooling, or production applications.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment setup, and production optimization.
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root cause problem-solving methodologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Preferred Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, or equivalent experience.
  • Advanced training in Lean/Continuous Improvement, Tooling Design, CNC Machining, or Additive Manufacturing is a plus.

Interested parties should submit a one page summary and two page resume listing your qualifications to: jobs@tnov.com