Shop Operation Area Manager

Off-Shift Area Manager (2nd Shift)

The Off-Shift Area Manager (2nd Shift) is responsible for leading shop floor manufacturing and test operations within the Electrical Locker (E-Locker), Cab Assembly, MK Test, and related production areas in a locomotive manufacturing environment. This role provides operational and technical leadership to ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of manufacturing and testing activities while meeting production schedules, customer commitments, and business objectives.

A key responsibility is leading the MK Test operation, including the development, execution, and continuous improvement of electrical locker and cab testing processes. The Area Manager drives standardized testing methods, supports troubleshooting activities, coordinates test schedules, improves first-pass yield, and ensures testing is completed safely, accurately, and on time. The successful candidate will have strong electrical systems expertise, troubleshooting capability, manufacturing leadership experience, and a proven ability to develop high-performing teams.

This role partners closely with Production Supervisors, Team Leads, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Operations Leadership to drive Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) performance.

Key Job Elements

• Lead E-Locker, Cab Assembly, and MK Test operations during the assigned shift to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, OSHA regulations, electrical safety requirements, and testing procedures while promoting a strong safety culture.
• Oversee MK Test activities, ensuring testing is completed accurately, safely, and in accordance with engineering specifications and customer requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve standardized test procedures, work instructions, troubleshooting guides, and best practices.
• Drive quality performance through adherence to engineering specifications, manufacturing standards, and quality processes.
• Provide technical leadership in troubleshooting electrical, control system, wiring, and integration issues affecting production and testing.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for test failures, quality concerns, and production disruptions using structured problem-solving methods.
• Coordinate manpower, workflow, training, and shift coverage with supervisors, team leads, and test technicians.
• Manage production and test schedules to support on-time delivery and customer commitments.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including safety, first-pass yield, productivity, labor efficiency, schedule adherence, rework, and scrap.
• Identify constraints and implement improvements to increase throughput, reduce downtime, and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Partner with Maintenance to maximize equipment uptime and ensure test equipment and production assets remain reliable.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and HR to achieve operational objectives and continuous improvement goals.
• Lead employee engagement, coaching, performance management, technical development, and succession planning.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen, Visual Management, and waste reduction.
• Support new product introductions, process changes, and validation activities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.