Production Manager

Job Description

Job Description

i2k Defense is seeking a highly skilled, hands-on Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations at our Azusa, CA facility. This position is responsible for overseeing the fabrication, assembly, and quality control of our tactical structures, including expeditionary shelters.

The ideal candidate must possess deep technical expertise in RF (Radio Frequency) / Hot Air Welding OR Heavy-Duty Industrial Sewing operations. You will manage floor personnel, optimize production workflows, enforce strict safety standards, and ensure all output meets rigorous Department of Defense (DoD) quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Production Oversight & Workflow

- Direct daily floor operations across cutting, technical fabric joining (RF/Hot Air Welding), heavy-duty industrial sewing, and structural assembly.

- Translate technical engineering drawings, blueprints, and SOPs into clear daily work plans for floor leads and assembly teams.

- Troubleshoot technical issues with RF welders, hot-air sealing machinery, and heavy industrial sewing equipment to maintain continuous production flow.

- Manage raw material staging, component preparation, and finished product packaging to meet tight delivery schedules.

Team Leadership & Personnel Management

- Lead, mentor, and evaluate a team of shift supervisors, machine operators, sewers, welders, and general assembly laborers.

- Enforce a clear "takes instruction and executes" culture, ensuring floor staff follow established assembly sequences and quality standards.

- Conduct hands-on technical training for new hires and oversee cross-training across sewing and welding stations to build flexible capacity.

- Drive daily shift huddles to communicate targets, review safety protocols, and track performance against output milestones.

Quality Management System (QMS) & Compliance

- Uphold i2k Defense Quality Management System (QMS) standards, ensuring complete traceability and inspection compliance for defense components.

- Oversee the execution of the facility’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), enforcing OSHA standards, Lock Out - Tag Out (LOTO), and proper PPE usage on the shop floor.

- Partner with the Shipping Lead to ensure final product inspections, bill-of-lading accuracy, and freight securement protocols are strictly followed.

Qualifications & Requirements

- Technical Background (Mandatory): Minimum 3–5 years of direct hands-on experience in RF / Hot Air Welding (Heat Sealing) OR Heavy-Duty Industrial Sewing in a manufacturing setting.

- Leadership Experience: 3+ years in a supervisory or management role overseeing shop-floor operators and assembly labor.

- Technical Aptitude: Proven ability to read and interpret complex technical blueprints, engineering schematics, and cut-sheets.

- Safety & Regulatory Knowledge: Deep familiarity with OSHA workplace safety standards, machine guarding, and hazardous material handling.

- Physical Capability: Ability to stand for long periods, walk a large manufacturing floor, and occasionally assist teams with heavy team-lifts up to 50 lbs as needed.

- Defense/Aerospace Background (Preferred): Prior experience working under AS9100, ISO 9001, or military contractor guidelines is a major plus.

Compensation & Benefits

- Salary: $75,000 $90,000 per year.

- Employment Type: Full-time W-2 Employee.

- Growth: Opportunity to manage expanding product lines within a growing DoD manufacturing environment.

About the Company

i2k Defense is a veteran-owned U.S. manufacturer of custom inflatable military decoys, targets, shelters, and training products. All production runs in-house from our facility in Azusa, California (Los Angeles County).

\nCompany 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.

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.