SUMMARYThe Supervisor provides leadership and oversight in the manufacture of advanced composite aerospace structures. This role ensures production teams meet quality, safety, cost, and schedule requirements while coaching and developing technicians to achieve high performance. The Supervisor works closely with Manufacturing Engineers, Quality, and Supply Chain partners to coordinate shift execution, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvement across the production area.
This position is for our 2nd Shift operations.RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead and supervise a production team of technicians to deliver high-quality composite aerospace products on time and within budget.
- Support assigned shifts by coordinating resources, resolving issues, and ensuring alignment with daily and long-term production objectives.
- Manage and document effective shift handovers to ensure seamless communication, production continuity, and accountability between shifts.
- Conduct daily pre-shift readiness checks and support end-of-shift reviews to ensure smooth transition to incoming shifts.
- Provide coverage and leadership on nights and weekends as required to support company objectives and production schedules.
- Maintain floor presence to monitor operations, verify adherence to work instructions, and support problem resolution.
- Review work completed vs. planned; disseminate recovery plans for shortfalls.
- Communicate shift accomplishments and risks to leadership through daily reports and updates.
- Ensure compliance with all internal and external requirements and detailed work instructions.
- Approve PTO and timecards; manage technician schedules to support production objectives.
- Develop and maintain a skills matrix; propose staffing and training needs based on data-driven assessments or gaps in existing staffing.
- Promote and enforce a culture of safety; implement and sustain improvements to shop safety practices.
- Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve production issues and support program objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, improve quality, and increase efficiency.
- Hold team members accountable to company policies and standards; provide coaching, feedback, and corrective actions when necessary.
QUALIFICATIONSRequired- 6+ years of composite manufacturing experience.
- 2+ years' experience in multiple composite manufacturing processes, including:
- Hand lamination (carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar, etc.)
- Bonding operations (surface preparation, adhesive application)
- High tolerance cutting, drilling, and assembly
- Vacuum bagging for autoclave or oven curing
- 2+ years in a leadership role in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience developing and improving shop procedures and work instructions.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated craftsmanship in composite fabrication.
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and manufacturing software systems.
- Safety- and compliance-focused mindset with strong attention to detail.
- Able to provide on-site support for your assigned shift, including, nights, weekends and holidays.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in standing, bending, and kneeling positions for extended periods.
- Work performed in a manufacturing environment with PPE requirements (safety glasses, gloves, respirators as needed).
Desired- Experience leading teams in a high-rate aerospace or space production environment.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP audit processes.
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability,relocation, and flexible PTO options.To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
