Production Supervisor I/II

Production Supervisor I/IISan Luis Obispo, CaliforniaAt Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.Production Supervisor IRole SummaryThe Production Supervisor I is responsible for daily execution and frontline people leadership within an assigned manufacturing area. This role ensures work is performed safely, to standard, on schedule, and with high quality, while developing team capability and maintaining operational discipline.Production Supervisors are expected to spend the majority of their time leading and coordinating work, with limited hands-on production involvement (approximately up to 50%) as needed to:Support training and skill developmentAddress short-term execution gapsAssist during abnormal or recovery situationsHands-on work is intentional and situational, not the default mode of operation.This role involves working closely with manufacturing managers, various engineering disciplines, production staff, and operations teams to support expected outcomes.Key Responsibilities:Daily Execution & Floor LeadershipOwn day-to-day execution for the assigned area, shift, or lineTranslate production plans and priorities into clear daily directionCoordinate labor, sequence work, and manage shift executionMonitor progress throughout the shift and take corrective action as neededEscalate risks early and with facts when targets are at riskHands-On Support (As Needed)Provide hands-on support during:Training and onboardingShort-term staffing gapsComplex or critical build stepsRecovery from quality or schedule disruptionsModel correct workmanship, safety, and standard workAvoid becoming a permanent production resourceExpectation: Supervisors step in to stabilize and teach — not to carry routine production load.People Leadership & AccountabilityDirectly manage floor team members, including attendance, performance, and conductSet clear expectations and provide regular coaching and feedbackSupport training and skill development in coordination with Manufacturing ManagerFoster a culture of accountability, respect, and teamworkAddress performance issues promptly and professionallySafety, Quality & ComplianceOwn safety execution within the assigned areaEnforce compliance with AS9100, ITAR, and internal proceduresServe as first-line quality gate for workmanship and process adherenceEnsure proper containment and escalation of quality issuesParticipate in audits and corrective action activities as requiredCommunication & CoordinationCommunicate priorities, risks, and status clearly to Manufacturing ManagersParticipate in daily production meetings and execution reviewsExecute Value Stream priorities through established channelsCoordinate with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering as requiredContinuous Improvement & DisciplineReinforce standard work, 5S, and visual managementIdentify improvement opportunities and support Kaizen or problem-solving activitiesBalance short-term execution needs with long-term process disciplineRequired Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent (Bachelor's degree preferred)3+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturingPrior experience as a team lead, lead technician, or informal frontline leaderStrong understanding of:Manufacturing executionQuality and workmanship standardsSafety practices in regulated environmentsAbility to balance hands-on support with people leadership responsibilitiesStrong communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skillsWorking knowledge of ERP/MRP or production tracking systemsU.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance if requiredPreferred Qualifications:Experience supporting end-item UAV assembly or complex electromechanical buildsExposure to Lean Manufacturing and structured problem-solvingPrior responsibility for shift leadership or area ownershipProduction Supervisor II, Specialty ManufacturingRole SummaryThe Production Supervisor II is responsible for daily execution, frontline leadership, and technical oversight within a specialized manufacturing environment such as Avionics, Machining, Advanced Composites, or other high-complexity production areas.In addition to standard floor leadership, this role is expected to bring domain-specific manufacturing expertise and serve as the primary execution authority for complex processes, quality standards, and technical problem-solving within their area.Production Supervisors II operate with greater autonomy, manage higher-risk operations, and are accountable for both people performance and technical execution quality.Hands-on involvement is typically lower than Supervisor I (generally <30% ) and focused on:Technical coachingComplex troubleshootingProcess validationAbnormal recovery situationsThis role bridges the gap between frontline execution and manufacturing engineering.This role involves working closely with manufacturing managers, various engineering disciplines, production staff, and operations teams to support expected outcomes.Key Responsibilities:Specialty Execution & Technical LeadershipOwn daily execution for a technically complex production area • Serve as subject-matter leader for area-specific processes • Validate critical build steps and sign off on high-risk operations • Interpret engineering documentation (drawings, schematics, routings, work instructions) and translate into executable floor guidance • Lead technical troubleshooting for:Avionics integration issuesMachining process deviationsTooling or fixture problemsTest failures or nonconformances • Partner closely with Manufacturing Engineering to:Refine processesImprove yieldsSupport NPI or design changesDaily Execution & Floor LeadershipOwn day-to-day execution for the assigned area, shift, or lineTranslate production plans and priorities into clear daily directionCoordinate labor, sequence work, and manage shift executionMonitor progress throughout the shift and take corrective action as neededEscalate risks early and with facts when targets are at riskHands-On Support (As Needed)Provide hands-on support during:Training and onboardingShort-term staffing gapsComplex or critical build stepsRecovery from quality or schedule disruptionsModel correct workmanship, safety, and standard workAvoid becoming a permanent production resourceExpectation: Supervisors step in to stabilize and teach — not to carry routine production load.People Leadership (Advanced)Directly manage skilled technicians and specialists • Develop senior technicians into leads or future supervisors • Set technical competency expectations by role level • Own cross-training strategy for critical skills • Manage performance