Production Supervisor

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

As a Production Supervisor, you will lead day-to-day manufacturing operations by organizing workflows, supporting employees, monitoring performance, and ensuring production activities are completed safely, efficiently, and to established quality standards. You will help optimize resources, develop technician capabilities, maintain accountability, and coordinate across departments to support production goals and continuous improvement.

Schedule

First or second shift.

Responsibilities

Plans production schedules, assigns work, prioritizes activities, and organizes workflows to meet operational goals.
Ensures employees have the materials, equipment, resources, and information needed to perform their work effectively.
Leads, trains, and develops production employees, including onboarding new team members, implementing cross-training programs, and establishing technician capability goals.
Communicates company objectives and operational information between employees, management, and other departments.
Evaluates employee performance, provides fair and timely feedback, conducts annual performance evaluations, and aligns individual expectations with organizational goals.
Supports staffing activities and addresses escalated internal and external customer or employee issues.
Promotes safe equipment operation, coordinates regular maintenance, and ensures employees follow established safety procedures and company standards.
Monitors production processes, key performance indicators (KPIs), performance records, and operational progress, providing reports to senior leadership as required.
Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize production processes in collaboration with other departments.
Reviews and approves employee timecards, overtime, and paid time off while ensuring compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and applicable meal and rest break requirements.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma.
Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, or 6+ years of experience in an equivalent role.
Experience using manufacturing machinery and tools.
Strong understanding of composite fabrication processes and equipment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Strong organizational and leadership abilities with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and maintain positive team morale.
Strong verbal communication, interpersonal, and time-management skills with attention to detail.
Self-motivated, results-driven approach with strong problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Degree in a technical, engineering, or relevant field.
Manufacturing and composites experience.

Physical Requirements

Stands, walks, or sits continuously for at least 8 hours.
Occasionally pushes, pulls, lifts, or carries 35–50 lbs.
Performs repetitive movements for prolonged periods.
Holds, grasps, turns, or otherwise works with the hands.
Occasionally extends the arms to reach overhead, at shoulder level, and below shoulder level.
The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Mentions

No travel required.
First or second shift.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off
Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Karman Space & Defense

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Production Supervisor