Manufacturing Supervisor - Aerospace SMV

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. transforms the lives of people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. Through employment opportunities, we are a catalyst for empowerment. We foster self-confidence and instill a life changing affirmation that independence is possible. From our expertise in cutting-edge technology to our understanding of mobility, we help people who are blind and DeafBlind live fulfilling lives.

We believe everyone, no matter their vision abilities, deserves to experience the power of employment. Our goal for each person we reach is to ignite a fire of determination that is centered on the reality that blindness doesn’t define who you are or how you choose to live.

We are currently seekinga person who identifies strongly with our mission and core values to join our team as Manufacturing Supervisor - Aerospace in Summerville, SC. The ideal candidate for this role will have 2-3 years of direct supervisor experience within machining or sheet metal fabrication, strong leadership skills, excellent analytical and problem solving skills and the ability to successfully support a diverse team of employees.

Purpose:

The Manufacturing Supervisor oversees all aspects of production within the assigned area, with a focus on manufacturing goals, maintaining production schedules, ensuring employee safety, and supporting effective troubleshooting.

This is a hands-on leadership role that combines production supervision with machining and sheet metal fabrication. The Supervisor provides technical guidance, training, and direct support to production personnel while ensuring operations are performed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

This role manages day-to-day operations within the assigned area and reports to the Plant Manager in Summerville while the Seattle location will provide guidance and support on major operational or personnel decisions.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and actively participate in machining and sheet metal fabrication operations, including press brake forming, deburring, and CNC milling.
• Maintain close communication with the Seatle location.
• Lead and coordinate daily production activities while organizing, training, coaching, and evaluating production personnel.
• Foster the development and growth of production employees through ongoing training, coaching, and knowledge sharing.
• Uphold mission values by fostering an inclusive workplace culture that supports and advances employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
• Maintain a hands-on presence on the production floor, providing leadership, technical expertise, and support to ensure production goals and schedules are consistently met.
• Ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established quality standards, specifications, and production timelines.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement within the production team.
• Oversee equipment inspections, housekeeping, and organization of production machinery, tools, and work areas to ensure safe and effective operation.
• Read and interpret work orders, blueprints, engineering drawings, manuals, specifications, templates, and verbal instructions to determine finished-part dimensions, tolerances, and machine setup requirements.
• Troubleshoot production and equipment issues and coordinate with production support departments and the Seattle facility as needed to resolve problems and maintain workflow.
• Set up and operate press brake equipment to fabricate metallic and nonmetallic components in accordance with established specifications and quality requirements.
• Set up and operate CNC machinery to fabricate complex metallic and nonmetallic components, while continually developing and improving CNC setup and machining capabilities.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve production processes, efficiency, quality, equipment utilization, and overall manufacturing capabilities coordinated with Seattle facility
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Minimum two (2) to three (3) years direct machinist and sheet metal fabrication experience in the position of supervisor required.
• Thorough knowledge of machine shop operations and processes, preferably in a manufacturing environment with understanding of quality requirements.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to act as coach, teacher, and auditor as required to develop staff.
• Excellent analytical skills and experience with problem solving.
• Ability to work well with all levels and departments within LHB.
• Ability to work with diverse employees from all backgrounds, many that require special communication methods, (i.e. Braille, large print, interpreter, voice only) required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit up to 8 hours with standard rest-periods.
• Ability to perform work assignments requiring repetitive motions.
• Ability to work schedule as assigned and occasional overtime/weekends.
• Ability to eventually coordinate and mentor 2nd or 3rd shift.

Company benefits may include:

• 12 Paid Holidays per year
• Up to 17 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year
• Medical, Dental, and vision plans
• Long-term and short-term disability, AD&D
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 6% employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Team Member Referral Bonus Program
• Paid Leave for Service Animal Training
• Focus on Upward Mobility
• Inclusive and Supportive Team Environment

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.