Production Supervisor

About the Organization Applied Aerospace & Defense (Applied) is a premier provider of advanced design, engineering, and vertically integrated manufacturing solutions for leading and next-generation space and defense technology companies. Applied builds complex hardware for extreme operating environments and is focused on three core markets:
Space and Launch Systems, Defense Aviation and Airborne Systems, and C5

ISR and Precision Strike Systems. With decades of space and defense manufacturing heritage, Applied combines deep material science and IP-enabled process expertise with the ability to enable rapid prototyping, enhance new product development, and responsively scale production. Across its nationwide infrastructure of advanced manufacturing facilities, Applied continuously supports a balanced mix of next-generation technology and platform development, large scale production programs, and aftermarket sustainment for enduring platforms.

EOE Statement Applied Aerospace and Defense is an equal opportunity employer.

Santa Ana, CA | Full-Time | Exempt

Applied Aerospace & Defense is looking for a hands-on Production Supervision Manager who knows how to turn production challenges into results.

If you’re the kind of leader who enjoys being on the shop floor, developing people, solving problems, improving processes, and seeing the results of your work every day, this could be the opportunity for you.

At Applied Aerospace & Defense, we manufacture highly engineered products and complex assemblies supporting demanding aerospace, defense, and space applications.

This isn’t a desk-only management position. We need a leader who will be visible, engaged, and ready to drive Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People.

You’ll lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and help create a high-performing production environment where employees know what’s expected, have the resources to succeed, and are held accountable for results.

Lead from the floor — coach, develop, motivate, and hold production employees accountable.

Drive daily execution to meet safety, quality, cost, and on-time delivery goals.

Manage production schedules, staffing, workflow, and changing priorities.

Identify roadblocks before they become problems and take action to keep production moving.

Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, and Operations to solve problems and improve performance.

Use production data and KPIs to identify opportunities and drive measurable improvements.

Lead continuous improvement efforts that increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.

Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment using 6S principles.

Drive visual management and ensure production status and priorities are clearly communicated.

Monitor production costs, labor performance, quality, and delivery performance.

Ensure employees are properly trained and qualified to perform their work.

Conduct performance evaluations and provide regular, meaningful coaching and feedback.

Address performance and employee relations issues appropriately and consistently.

Interview, select, train, and develop production talent.

Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, urgency, and continuous improvement.

We’re looking for someone who can balance people leadership with production execution.

Must have 3–5+ years of Aerospace manufacturing leadership experience as a Production Supervisor, Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, or similar leader.

Understand how a manufacturing floor operates and what it takes to hit production…