Assembly Department Lead / Supervisor

The Assembly Department Lead / Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, organization, quality, and productivity of the Assembly Department. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring the ability to supervise and train employees while actively participating in mechanical assembly work. 

The successful candidate will take ownership of the department, coordinate priorities and customer orders, maintain production flow, troubleshoot assembly issues, and ensure work is completed according to drawings, routings, work instructions, quality standards, and delivery requirements. 

This individual will also work closely with Engineering and Production Management on prototypes, new products, process improvements, and the resolution of manufacturing issues. 

Department Leadership & Production

• Lead daily operations of the Assembly Department and provide direction to assembly personnel. 
• Review production priorities, customer orders, schedules, and due dates and assign work accordingly. 
• Coordinate employee assignments to maintain efficient workflow and meet production requirements. 
• Monitor work in process and proactively address issues that could affect quality or delivery. 
• Communicate production status, capacity concerns, material shortages, quality issues, and other problems to management as needed. 
• Take ownership of department performance, organization, workflow, and results. 
• Lead by example by maintaining high standards for productivity, quality, attendance, organization, and workmanship. 

Employee Training & Development 

• Train new and existing employees on assembly processes, equipment, workmanship standards, and proper installation techniques. 
• Ensure employees understand and follow applicable drawings, routings, SOPs, work instructions, and quality requirements. 
• Provide ongoing coaching and technical support to assembly personnel.
• Identify training needs and help employees improve their skills, efficiency, and quality of work. 
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and effective communication within the department.

Mechanical Assembly

• Perform and oversee mechanical assembly, disassembly, modification, repair, and rework operations. 
• Install mechanical hardware including Helicoil® inserts, Keenserts®, pins, captive screws, clinching hardware, and similar components. 
• Use appropriate hand tools, power tools, fixtures, gauges, and assembly equipment. 
• Verify proper hardware selection, orientation, fit, installation, and workmanship. 
• Assist employees with complex or unusual assembly operations. 
• Troubleshoot assembly problems and determine appropriate corrective actions. 

Drawings & Documentation

• Read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, assembly drawings, parts lists/BOMs, routings, SOPs, and work instructions. 
• Verify that assembly operations are performed according to current documentation and specifications. 
• Identify discrepancies or unclear instructions and work with the appropriate personnel to resolve them. 
• Ensure required production and quality documentation is completed accurately. 

Quality & Process Control

• Ensure assembled products meet applicable workmanship and quality requirements.
• Identify assembly defects, incorrect hardware, dimensional issues, or process problems before products move to the next operation. 
• Support corrective actions and help prevent recurring assembly problems. 
• Ensure employees follow established processes rather than using undocumented or unapproved methods. 
• Promote a strong culture of quality and attention to detail throughout the department. 

Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with Engineering on prototypes, first-time builds, new products, modifications, and manufacturing issues. 
• Provide practical assembly feedback regarding manufacturability, tooling, hardware selection, and process improvements. 
• Help develop and improve assembly methods, fixtures, tooling, work instructions, and department procedures. 
• Identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary handling, rework, delays, and production bottlenecks. Continuously improve department quality, efficiency, organization, safety, and product flow. 

Safety & Organization

• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional Assembly Department. 
• Ensure tools, fixtures, hardware, materials, and work-in-process are properly organized and controlled. 
• Follow and enforce applicable company safety policies and procedures.
• Identify unsafe conditions or practices and take appropriate corrective action.
• Support good housekeeping and workplace organization practices.

Required Qualifications 

• Previous manufacturing assembly experience in a hands-on production environment. 
• Experience as a Lead, Group Leader, Supervisor, or similar manufacturing leadership position strongly preferred. 
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and hands-on assembly skills. 
• Experience installing mechanical hardware such as Helicoils, Keenserts, pins, captive screws, clinching hardware, and similar components. 
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, assembly drawings, parts lists, routings, and work instructions. 
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and provide direction to employees. 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to prioritize multiple customer orders and production requirements. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities. 
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality. 
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work with limited supervision. 
• Ability and willingness to work directly alongside employees as a hands-on leader. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a precision manufacturing, machining, sheet metal, or similar environment. 
• Experience supporting prototype and new-product assembly. 
• Familiarity with manufacturing quality systems, SOPs, routings, and controlled work instructions. 
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, 5S, continuous improvement, or similar manufacturing improvement practices. 
• Experience identifying and implementing improvements to assembly processes, tooling, fixtures, and workflow. 

Physical Requirements 

The position requires regular work in a manufacturing environment and may involve: 

• Standing and working at assembly benches for extended periods. 
• Regular use of hand tools, power tools, and assembly equipment. 
• Handling and positioning parts and assemblies. 
• Repetitive hand and arm movements associated with mechanical assembly. 
• Lifting and moving materials consistent with normal assembly department operations. 
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

Citizenship / Residency Requirement 

Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident. 

What Success Looks Like 

The successful Assembly Department Lead / Supervisor will take ownership of the department and make it better. This means developing employees, maintaining high workmanship standards, keeping customer orders moving, solving problems before they become delays, maintaining an organized work area, and continually identifying better ways to assemble and deliver quality products. This position is best suited for an experienced assembly professional who combines strong hands-on mechanical skills with leadership, accountability, organization, and a continuous-improvement mindset.