At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in precision weapons and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Our team of engineers and innovators are developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions to deliver affordable and scalable precision weapons, interceptors, and UAS.

We're building the next generation of munitions and unmanned systems for the United States and its allies. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on defense technology, you belong here.

Production Supervisor I

Role Summary

The 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 development
Address short-term execution gaps
Assist during abnormal or recovery situations

Hands-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 Leadership

Own day-to-day execution for the assigned area, shift, or line
Translate production plans and priorities into clear daily direction
Coordinate labor, sequence work, and manage shift execution
Monitor progress throughout the shift and take corrective action as needed
Escalate risks early and with facts when targets are at risk

Hands-On Support (As Needed)

Provide hands-on support during:
Training and onboarding
Short-term staffing gaps
Complex or critical build steps
Recovery from quality or schedule disruptions
Model correct workmanship, safety, and standard work
Avoid becoming a permanent production resource

Expectation: Supervisors step in to stabilize and teach — not to carry routine production load.

People Leadership & Accountability

Directly manage floor team members, including attendance, performance, and conduct
Set clear expectations and provide regular coaching and feedback
Support training and skill development in coordination with Manufacturing Manager
Foster a culture of accountability, respect, and teamwork
Address performance issues promptly and professionally

Safety, Quality & Compliance

Own safety execution within the assigned area
Enforce compliance with AS9100, ITAR, and internal procedures
Serve as first-line quality gate for workmanship and process adherence
Ensure proper containment and escalation of quality issues
Participate in audits and corrective action activities as required

Communication & Coordination

Communicate priorities, risks, and status clearly to Manufacturing Managers
Participate in daily production meetings and execution reviews
Execute Value Stream priorities through established channels
Coordinate with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering as required

Continuous Improvement & Discipline

Reinforce standard work, 5S, and visual management
Identify improvement opportunities and support Kaizen or problem-solving activities
Balance short-term execution needs with long-term process discipline

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
3+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing
Prior experience as a team lead, lead technician, or informal frontline leader
Strong understanding of:
Manufacturing execution
Quality and workmanship standards
Safety practices in regulated environments
Ability to balance hands-on support with people leadership responsibilities
Strong communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skills
Working knowledge of ERP/MRP or production tracking systems
U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance if required