Production Supervisor

From building on a legacy that started in 1802 to developing the newest aerospace and defense technology, we make products that help save lives, defend freedom, preserve history, and keep the United States and its allies on the technological leading edge. Whether we’re creating rocket motors and explosives or we’re inventing technologies that haven’t yet been discovered, count on us to find a solution.

Estes Energetics is seeking a Production Supervisor for our Goex black powder manufacturing facility. The Production Supervisor will learn and oversee all aspects of production, be responsible for organization and planning, and ensure the safety and training of direct reports.

The ideal candidate must have the ability and willingness to operate production machinery, as needed, to maintain the production schedule. Additionally, they must be able to communicate effectively with supervisors, maintenance staff, and coworkers to sustain production operations.

This job requires working with explosives. You will be required to wear work‑specific clothes issued by the company and to shower at the end of each working day.

• Work safely and enforce safe work practices by following all standard operating procedures and ensuring team compliance with safety rules.
• Provide hands‑on training and daily coaching to production employees on processes, equipment operation, and quality requirements.
• Ensure operators have the tools, materials, PPE, and equipment needed to perform their work each shift.
• Monitor and manage day‑to‑day production activities, addressing issues in real time and escalating larger or systemic concerns to the Production Manager.
• Conduct routine performance check‑ins and contribute input for annual reviews, supporting employee development and reinforcing expectations.
• Troubleshoot operational problems and communicate technical information, status updates, and risks upward to management.
• Lead shift‑level communications, ensuring employees understand daily expectations, production goals, and any changes to work instructions.
• Execute the production plan by organizing labor, assigning tasks, and driving output to meet shift KPIs and role up your sleeves to complete task.
• Champion frontline continuous improvement, including supporting 5S efforts, waste reduction, and participating in kaizen initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, SOPs, and quality standards throughout daily operations.
• Promote cross‑training and workforce flexibility by identifying employee skill gaps and rotating staff as needed to meet production deadlines.
• Participate in root‑cause investigations by gathering facts, documenting findings, and coordinating proposed corrective actions with the Production Manager.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Strong leadership, coaching and communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem analysis and problem‑solving skills and ability to coach team members in developing these skills.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, plan, coordinate and execute.
• Ability to refine manufacturing processes to achieve continuous improvements in quality, delivery and cost.
• 5 years of experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment with 3 years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses, including:
  • Be 21 years of age or older.
  • Pass pre‑employment drug test.
  • Pass State and Federal background checks.
• Prior experience in manufacturing chemicals or dry powder and/or working with explosives.

The work will primarily be in an industrial explosives manufacturing environment.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly and some jobs require lifting 125 lbs. approximately 8” high from 1 cart to another periodically.
• Comfortable sitting, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
• Exposure to industrial machines, climate exposure and explosives manufactured products.
• Frequent movement walking and standing through out a manufacturing environment.
• Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location.

This is a…