Production Manager

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations for our inflatable defense products. This role is responsible for driving safety, quality, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement across production teams. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a strong background in technical manufacturing who can develop people, optimize processes, and deliver results in a defense-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

> Lead and develop production teams (supervisors and operators) to meet daily/weekly output targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
> Oversee assembly, fabrication, and finishing operations for large-scale inflatable structures, ensuring compliance with customer specifications and military quality requirements.
> Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives (5S, standardized work, root cause analysis) to increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve first-pass yield.
> Manage production scheduling, labor allocation, and workflow to achieve on-time delivery performance while controlling costs and overtime.
> Champion a strong safety culture through daily engagement, audits, training, and proactive hazard identification in accordance with OSHA standards.
> Monitor and act on key performance indicators (KPIs) for safety, quality, delivery, and cost; implement corrective actions as needed.
> Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to resolve issues and support new product introductions or process changes.
> Manage production budgets, inventory accuracy at the line level, and equipment readiness.
> Conduct performance management, coaching, training, and succession planning to build a high-performing, accountable team.
> Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready production floor.

Qualifications

> 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing production management or supervision (experience leading teams of 20+ preferred).
> Demonstrated success improving throughput, quality, safety, and/or cost metrics in a manufacturing environment.
> Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, 5S, and continuous improvement tools.
> Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop diverse teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
> Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
> Comfortable working in a hands-on production environment with large assemblies and technical products.
> Must be able to work on-site in Azusa, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

> Experience in aerospace, defense, composites, precision assembly, or similar technical manufacturing industries.
> Background with fabric assembly, inflatable/pneumatic products, or large-scale structural assembly is highly desirable.
> Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
> Experience with military or government contract quality standards and documentation.
> Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and production scheduling tools.

At i2k Defense, you’ll join a veteran-owned industry leader with over 25 years of American manufacturing expertise. By working at our Azusa facility, you will craft life-saving innovations, including high-tech military decoys and mission-ready shelters used by global defense forces.

We value Integrity and Commitment to Excellence, fostering a culture where challenging goals meet total accountability. As a team member, you will use advanced technology and premium materials to turn complex concepts into reality. Whether you are an industrial sewer or a plant manager, your role is vital to our reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. Grow your career with a goal-oriented pioneer dedicated to mission success and creative innovation.

Company Description

At i2k Defense, you’ll join a veteran-owned industry leader with over 25 years of American manufacturing expertise. By working at our Azusa facility, you will craft life-saving innovations, including high-tech military decoys and mission-ready shelters used by global defense forces.\r\n\r\nWe value Integrity and Commitment to Excellence, fostering a culture where challenging goals meet total accountability. As a team member, you will use advanced technology and premium materials to turn complex concepts into reality. Whether you are an industrial sewer or a plant manager, your role is vital to our reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. Grow your career with a goal-oriented pioneer dedicated to mission success and creative innovation.