Assembly Lead

Assembly Lead

Sonaca North America is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. As a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, we are dedicated to making air and space travel safe and sustainable. We have 10 locations across North America and our engineering expertise and operational excellence set us apart from the competition.

Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and services that are reliable, safe, and efficient. Our team of experts is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the aerospace and defense industry, utilizing the latest technologies and processes to ensure that we deliver the best possible solutions to our customers.

We are seeking an Assembly Lead. The Assembly - Lead position performs functions of assembling parts including attaching parts together by drilling, riveting, and/or bonding. In addition, the Lead provides employees in the department with On-the-Job Training, reinforces plant organization and cleanliness, assists the supervisor with employee development, participates in team meetings, schedules activities, and serves as safety monitor. Provides input to the Supervisor regarding employee development, leads team meetings as well as Team-Based Corrective Action meetings. The Lead insures a safe work environment by enforcing the behavioral based safety program. In all actions, supports Sonaca North America's Quality Policy, Mission Statement and other Company policies and procedures by supporting our commitment to total customer satisfaction, quality products and services, lean processes, continuous improvement, on-time delivery, safety, teaming, individual accountability and respect for people.

Pay Range - $25 - $28 per hour

Essential Job Responsibilities

• This position performs functions of assembling aircraft parts and/or structures with or without the aid of jigs and fixtures by drilling, filing, filling, reaming, countersinking, dimpling, fastening, fitting, aligning, shimming, riveting, and/or bonding.
• Must be able to learn and understand equipment, as well as setup and run the equipment. Other duties include deburr, rough trim, scribe, saw, sand, trim tabs, hand finish, blemish repair, paint touch up, or steel stamp/part mark.
• Must be able to read basic blue prints and understand specifications that parts are made to, and identify imperfections in parts. Must be able to read and understand work orders, follow written and verbal instructions and procedures, and to use tools and methods to ensure quality.
• Use gauges, scale, calipers, and other measuring equipment to check part integrity.
• The Lead position acts as an interface with Work Center/Production personnel, Customer Service and other departments and work groups as necessary.
• Assures work activities are in accordance with all applicable QAP's, work instructions, and customer specifications.
• Assigns work to work center team members and ensures work flow is productive. Enforces behavioral based safety policies to secure a safe work environment.
• Provides input to Supervisor on employee annual reviews. Approves/Denies employee "Event Request" per the Work Life Balance Policy.
• Conducts disciplinary discussions with employees regarding Work Life Balance policy.
• On-the-Job Training (OJT): Using the day to day requirements within the work center, works with employees to teach and reinforce work center processes. Completes all required training and certifications and follows specific training guides, manuals, and checklists when available.
• Adjusts teaching style and method to fit individual employee learning style, skill level, and pace of learning.
• Works with supervisor and work team to assign appropriate work to employees to enhance skill development or introduce new skills.
• Helps supervisor to assess skill level, productivity, and overall work performance of individual employees.
• Models appropriate employee behavior and reinforces Company policies and procedures:
• By Example, demonstrates appropriate behavior to both new and more senior employees, including such behaviors of dependable attendance, following quality procedures, accurate completion of paperwork, etc.
• Uses positive reinforcement whenever possible, helps employees follow and understand Sonaca North America policies and procedures.
• When needed, gives instruction/direction to employees, enforces policy and procedure, and assists supervisor if disciplinary action is needed.
• Is responsible for the work center activities in the supervisor's absence. (The Lead person cannot deliver discipline such as warnings or termination, but may, in the supervisor's absence, suspend an employee "pending investigation"—HR should be contacted immediately prior to doing this. If HR is unable to be reached, the Lead may do so if needed to defuse a situation, and contact HR as soon as possible.)
• Actively follows, enforces, and reinforces all safety policies and procedures and incorporates safety issues in all task training.
• Reinforces plant organization and cleanliness. Works with the team to identify and implement improvements in work center organization. Uses good problem solving skills and assists the work team in the collection of information, analysis of facts and data, consideration of various alternatives, and implementation of the decision.
• Assists the supervisor with the development of the work team. May serve as team leader or facilitator.
• Initiates and supports continuous improvement by helping the team learn and implement lean manufacturing process improvement tools.
• Serves as an expert in the Production Operator tasks, working with management, leads, quality personnel, etc., to resolve technical problems. Assists HR and training personnel as needed, in the development and evaluation of formalized skill training programs and materials.
• Participates in team meetings and scheduling activities.
• Serves as the Safety Monitor for the work center operations.
• May be asked to help develop work instructions or serve on various work center and/or cross functional process improvement teams, task forces, and rapid improvement projects. May be asked to temporarily work at or assist other work centers.
• Must know, understand and follow all job tools available and applicable to the job and the plant, including work instructions, the Employee Handbook, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Ability to work overtime including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Need to possess a thorough understanding of process flows, lead times and lean principles in the manufacturing environment.

Education and Experiences

• 2 year Associates Degree or Technical Training in Aerospace Industry; or comparable related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Background in manufacturing environment required
• Aerospace industry knowledge required.
• Must possess all qualifications of an experienced employee n the work center, plus:
• Thorough knowledge of and direct experience with most tasks and equipment in the work center.
• Must be able to use a personal computer with Microsoft Office software systems such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Through knowledge of Sonaca North America production, administrative, safety, and Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Excellent communication and interactive people skills, with the ability to work in pleasant, cooperative manner with all Company personnel, customers, and vendors.
• Exercises good judgment and demonstrates good decision making skills.
• Good team building, team leader, and team member skills.

Why Choose Sonaca North America?

We take care of our people.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a percentage company-match contribution
• Competitive wages
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental insurance
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Employee assistance plan — for access to counseling, consulting and other community resources
• Wellness program
• Tuition assistance
• Subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be required. This document does not create an employment contract. Employees of the Company are employed on an "at will" basis and may be terminated at any time.

Sonaca North America is an equal employment opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, Sonaca North America provides access and opportunities to those with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who seek to access the company's online application system. If an applicant is unable to fully