Job Title: Manufacturing Lead Job Description
The Manufacturing Lead oversees day-to-day operations within an assigned production cell or department, ensuring that work instructions, production standards, and quality requirements are consistently met. This role combines hands-on machine and equipment expertise with leadership responsibilities, including coaching team members, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and productivity.
Responsibilities
Execute departmental work instructions, production standards, and technical requirements with a high degree of accuracy and performance.
Apply a working knowledge of production ticket processes, production requirements, and workflow within the assigned cell or department.
Operate and support machinery and equipment in the assigned area, including cross-training on multiple machines to ensure flexibility and coverage.
Interpret and use production and quality-related reports for the assigned cell or department to monitor performance and drive improvements.
Coordinate activities that support established quality standards, including monitoring TQM and MMR programs, reviewing graphs, and leading daily improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with leadership and continuous improvement teams on data collection and tracking of MMRs for the MMR Incentive Program.
Facilitate departmental meetings, including daily huddles, safety tailgates, and MMR discussions, to communicate expectations and share performance updates.
Coach team members on departmental work activities, performance expectations, productivity standards, and safety procedures.
Maintain a strong understanding of safety standards and PPE requirements for the assigned area and ensure consistent adherence by team members.
Conduct machine operation and equipment training for team members to build capability and support cross-training initiatives.
Provide guidance and day-to-day leadership to team members in the absence of formal supervisors or managers.
Participate in the development, implementation, and training of Standard Work documentation in partnership with leadership.
Conduct daily machine safety inspections and audit safety standard work practices to identify and address potential hazards.
Participate in weekly GEMBA activities, including presentations and SQDC board reviews, to support visual management and continuous improvement.
Understand visual management measurements and departmental performance metrics and use them to guide daily decisions and actions.
Maintain and update SQDCM boards and Hour-by-Hour boards with relevant departmental information, metrics, and status updates.
Maintain and enforce 5S standards in accordance with the 5S Program, including conducting regular 5S audits and driving workplace organization.
Participate in continuous improvement activities, including Standard Work audits, point kaizens, and waste elimination initiatives.
Run and analyze reports from company systems as needed to support production planning, performance tracking, and problem solving.
Demonstrate and model company core values and provide coaching and support to team members to foster a positive and accountable work culture.
Essential Skills
High school diploma or equivalent work experience.
Minimum of 2 years of related experience in a lead role or similar manufacturing leadership position.
3+ years of experience as a lead in a manufacturing environment.
Working knowledge of production processes, manufacturing operations, and machine operation within a production environment.
Proficiency in basic problem-solving techniques, including 5 Whys analysis.
Proficient computer skills with the ability to run and analyze reports, including basic use of Microsoft Office.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to exercise considerable judgment and initiative in operating and managing an assigned cell or department.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while leading and supporting a team.
Ability to perform physical activities, including lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs periodically.
Basic math skills for production calculations and data interpretation.
Leadership experience in a manufacturing setting, including supervision or coordination of team members.
Experience with manufacturing processes and manufacturing production environments.
Bilingual skills in English and Spanish.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with lean manufacturing principles and practices.
Familiarity with Toyota-style lean manufacturing concepts is a plus.
Experience supporting Total Quality Management (TQM) and MMR programs.
Exposure to continuous improvement activities such as Standard Work audits, point kaizens, and waste elimination initiatives.
Experience using visual management tools such as SQDC and Hour-by-Hour boards.
Comfort facilitating meetings, including daily huddles and safety discussions.
Strong coaching and mentoring abilities to support team development.
Why Work Here?
The organization promotes a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability, where employees have the opportunity to contribute directly to operational excellence. Team members benefit from a stable manufacturing environment that values safety, quality, and professional growth, offering opportunities to expand leadership skills, participate in lean and improvement initiatives, and develop technical expertise. The work setting encourages open communication, daily collaboration, and active involvement in problem solving and performance improvement.
Work Environment
This role operates in a manufacturing production environment with active machinery and equipment. The Manufacturing Lead works primarily on the shop floor within an assigned cell or department, regularly interacting with production teams and equipment. The position involves standing, walking, and performing physical tasks, including lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs periodically. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to safety standards, including the consistent use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) and participation in daily safety checks, safety tailgates, and machine inspections. Visual management tools such as SQDCM boards, Hour-by-Hour boards, and GEMBA walks are integral to daily operations. The role relies on basic computer systems and Microsoft Office to run and analyze reports and to track performance metrics. A strong focus on 5S and workplace organization is maintained through regular audits and continuous improvement activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Irwindale, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $43680.00 - $54080.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Medical benefits - medical, dental, vision
401k
DP
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Irwindale,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
