Production Supervisor

Company Overview

ARA is a leading C5ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities.

Our disruptive, integrated solutions, assemblies and subsystems rise to the challenging demands of discerning, mission-critical customers.

We leverage our capabilities to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers and empower them to remain ahead of evolving threats and complexities in a dynamic security landscape.

Job Summary

The Production Supervisor oversees day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient execution of the production schedule, proper resource allocation, and adherence to high standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. This role leads and supports a team of assemblers, providing clear direction, removing obstacles, and fostering a collaborative production environment. The Supervisor plays a key role in strengthening lean manufacturing practices, driving continuous improvement, and maintaining an organized, professional workplace that reflects the company’s culture and values – and focus on the customer.

Essential Functions

• Support lean manufacturing initiatives, including standard work, visual management, and continuous improvement activities.
• Collaborate with the Production Planner and Inventory Clerk to ensure material kits are prepared in support of the production schedule; report shortages to the Material Manager.
• Provide assembly instructions, documentation, training, production jigs, and required materials to assemblers.
• Assign daily tasks and supervise assemblers to ensure efficient and accurate production.
• Communicate technical problems promptly to Production Management and Manufacturing Engineering.
• Ensure production equipment is safe, maintained, and operating properly.
• Confirm accurate and timely completion of employee timesheets.
• Report production progress and issues to management as required.
• Conduct employee performance reviews in line with company policies.
• Promote a respectful, engaged, and safety-focused workplace culture.

Competency Statements

• Adaptability – Open to new ideas and able to adjust to change.
• Communication – Communicates clearly and honestly, both verbally and in writing.
• Job Knowledge – Understands role responsibilities, maintains current knowledge.
• Technical Skill – Possesses the skills needed to perform tasks effectively.
• Dependability – Meets deadlines, works independently and collaboratively, maintains focus.
• Quality – Prioritizes accuracy, reduces errors, and seeks improvement opportunities.
• Ethics – Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and confidentiality.
• Initiative / Ownership – Takes action, seeks opportunities, and follows tasks through to completion.
• Customer Focus – Understands customer needs (internal and external) and builds strong relationships.
• Employee Management & Development – Coaches, motivates, and supports employee growth.
• Leadership – Provides strong direction, models professionalism, and encourages team engagement.

Experience and Skills

• 5+ years of production or manufacturing experience, including 2–3 years in a supervisory role.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a production team.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Experience managing production schedules and ensuring material readiness.
• Knowledge of inventory processes and coordination with stockroom and planning functions.
• Hands-on experience with production equipment and basic troubleshooting.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience conducting reviews and providing constructive performance feedback.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining safety and quality.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles (5S, standard work, root cause analysis, Kaizen).

Education

• Associate’s degree or relevant technical certifications (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar) preferred. Equivalent experience considered.

Antenna Research Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non-discrimination and affirmative action. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.