The Analytical Solutions Division (ASD) of Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc (www.ara.com) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Production Supervisor on-site at our Huntsville, AL location. The Production Supervisor is responsible for supervising and overseeing the day-to-day production and objectives of the soft goods team.  Will work with project managers to prepare work schedules and labor estimates. Responsible for each area of the soft goods shop tasks, productivity standards are meeting project requirements, coordinating and scheduling textile technicians’ tasks related to the daily operation. Ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with project commitments or specific objectives/tasks while adhering to quality and productivity standards and meeting client schedules.

What you will do as a Production Supervisor:

Supervise, guide, and ensure proper training of up to 10 employees to enhance skills and maintain safe and effective work practices Provides instruction and training to the various soft good shop staff in work methods, machine operations, and shop practices necessary in the fabricating, assembling, and tooling of precision detailed parts and tools Perform design reviews and guide the team on assembly of complex soft goods Coordinate operations of all equipment within the soft goods shop ensuring safe and efficient utilization for the fabrication and assembly of various textile products Monitor production schedules and coordinate with PMs on priorities and labor estimates Maintain and track soft goods inventory levels of raw materials, tools and consumables Will review written management or program plans, maintenance and operations instructions, and other related documents and completing status updates and work orders Create and maintain accurate records of processes, procedures, production data, including output, downtime, and quality metrics Create and foster effective communication within the team and with other departments Regularly communicate with Industrial Design & Soft Goods supervisor, program/project management, and engineers to handle challenges related to production project(s) Approve timesheets, set annual goals and evaluate performance, provide coaching and constructive feedback Recognize and reward exceptional performance and address any performance issues or conflicts in a timely and appropriate manner Ensure required training and quality standards are met

Must Haves as a Production Supervisor:

Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of US Department of Defense SECRET clearance Proven supervisory experience in a production or manufacturing environment, with strong coordination and planning skills Ability to lead and train personnel throughout production while adhering to safety practices Skilled in interpreting technical drawings, conducting design reviews, and communicating work instructions effectively across teams Proficient in tracking production output, quality control, material usage, and managing schedules and resource allocation Proficient in Microsoft Suite 365 (Microsoft Excel, Word, and Planner) Experienced in basic troubleshooting of industrial machinery and performing basic maintenance to minimize downtime Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines Effective communication skills in speaking, writing, and presenting work instructions, technical information, schedules, status, and the ability to resolve conflict quickly and effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization Work in a setting which requires sitting, sitting for long periods of time, pushing, pulling, standing, standing for long periods of time, reaching, grasping, bending, climbing, stooping, hold and move items with hand(s), multilimbed coordination, finger dexterity, arm-hand steadiness and must be able to lift up to 50lbs individually, 50lbs or more with assistance Must wear all required personal protective equipment to include, but not limited to safety glasses, respirator, safety shoes, hearing protection and hand protection as required

This will “WOW” us if you have the following:

Technical Training/Certifications such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma concepts Previous experience in textile manufacturing Experience onboarding and mentoring junior staff Active US Department of Defense SECRET clearance

Please apply at careers.ara.com for the Production Supervisor position.