Ideal Aerosmith→
Production Manager at Ideal Aerosmith in Grand Forks, ND
Job Description
Production Manager
Full Time · Location: Grand Forks, ND, US
Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title every day with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services.
Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.
The Production Manager reports to the Director of Manufacturing and leads day-to-day production execution across Electrical Assembly (EA), Mechanical Assembly (MA), and Integration, with responsibility for the safe, efficient, and on-time execution of production activities from electrical and mechanical assembly through system integration and testing. This role will lead and develop the EA Supervisor and MA Supervisor, directly manage the Integration Technicians, and provide direction and accountability to the Production Scheduler while maintaining overall accountability for production performance, capacity, staffing, quality, and delivery.
The Production Manager will work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Project Management, and other teams to identify and resolve production constraints, align resources with business priorities, and continuously improve how work moves through the organization. This is a hands-on production leadership role responsible for coordinating the end-to-end flow of work across EA, MA, and Integration for someone who can balance people leadership, production planning, and technical problem-solving in a complex, low-volume manufacturing environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day production operations across Electrical Assembly, Mechanical Assembly, and Integration to achieve safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
- Lead, coach, and develop the EA Supervisor, MA Supervisor, and Production Scheduler, establishing clear expectations, ownership, and accountability for day-to-day performance.
- Directly manage the Integration Technicians, including work assignment, coaching, employee development, performance management, training, and resolution of personnel issues.
- Lead the Production Scheduler in establishing executable production priorities and schedules; coordinate labor, capacity, equipment, and workflow across electrical assembly, mechanical assembly, integration, and testing.
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Project Management, and other teams to resolve technical, material, quality, and scheduling issues affecting production.
- Ensure effective handoffs and end-to-end flow of products and assemblies through electrical assembly, mechanical assembly, system integration, testing, and completion.
- Establish and monitor production metrics to evaluate performance, identify trends, and drive improvements in quality, productivity, efficiency, and on-time delivery.
- Develop and maintain appropriate staffing, cross-training, and workforce development plans based on current and anticipated production needs.
- Support the EA and MA Supervisors in employee development, performance management, training, staffing, and resolution of personnel issues within their teams.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on workflow, standard work, efficiency, quality, capacity, and waste reduction.
- Ensure production processes comply with applicable quality requirements, including ISO 9001, as well as company safety policies and procedures.
- Support implementation of new products, processes, equipment, and production capabilities in partnership with Engineering and other functional teams.
- Communicate production status, delivery risks, resource needs, and performance to the Director of Manufacturing and other appropriate stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain a production environment that promotes accountability, collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical, manufacturing, or related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, production, integration, or a related technical environment preferred.
- 5+ years of leadership, supervisory, or management experience in a manufacturing or production environment preferred.
- Experience leading supervisors and multiple teams, work cells, or production functions strongly preferred.
- Experience in complex electromechanical, test equipment, or low-volume/high-mix manufacturing preferred.
- Ability to travel (domestic and internationally) and obtain a passport.
- Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.
Skill Requirements
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop supervisors, lead a production scheduler, and directly manage production employees.
- Strong planning, scheduling, organizational, and resource management skills.
- Ability to work within a technical manufacturing environment and understand engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, and work instructions.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Knowledge of manufacturing quality systems and continuous improvement practices.
- Ability to monitor production performance, identify constraints, and drive improvements.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Project Management, and other teams.
- Proficiency with computer systems used for production documentation, planning, and reporting.
Physical Requirements
- Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
- Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
- Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
- The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.
Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.