Production Manager

Production Lead
Electronics Manufacturing | Small Hands-On Team

Overview

Production Lead needed for a small electronics manufacturing team. You’ll coordinate daily production, set up and run our SMT equipment, keep quality and inventory under control, and jump in on assembly or machine adjustments whenever needed.

This is a working lead role — not a pure desk job and not a large-team management position. Right now the team is only two people, so you will spend real time on the floor while also owning the schedule, process, and documentation. Ideal for an experienced assembler, shift lead, or EMS tech who wants real ownership in a growing shop without the bureaucracy of a big plant.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prep daily production based on materials and due dates; act as the main liaison between the floor and the owner (gather questions, make judgement calls, escalate when needed)
• Set up and operate our SMT assembly machine; make adjustments when parts are being misplaced or process is drifting
• Jump in and do circuit board assembly and other production work when the schedule is tight or we’re behind
• Watch quality closely — catch bad solder joints, process issues, labeling/packaging problems, and incorrect procedures
• Improve inventory accuracy, kitting, material flow, and overall organization
• Create and maintain clear operating instructions, SOPs, and simple process guides
• Monitor inventory levels and flag shortages early
• When production is slower, focus on process improvement, documentation, and organization

Experience We’re Looking For

• Hands-on experience in electronics manufacturing / EMS / circuit board assembly strongly preferred
• Experience setting up or operating SMT / pick-and-place equipment preferred (loading jobs, adjusting parameters, and troubleshooting)
• Ability to recognize good vs. bad solder joints and follow proper assembly practices
• Comfortable reading drawings, prints, and work instructions
• Experience writing or improving SOPs / work instructions a plus
• Reliable, proactive, and willing to work on the floor as a working lead
• Degree not required — practical production experience matters more. An engineering degree (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or related) is a nice plus for candidates who also bring strong hands-on production skills.

Nice-to-Haves

• Familiarity with IPC standards
• IPC-A-610 certification
• Experience with 3D printers (FDM or resin)
• Basic mechanical aptitude for production equipment adjustments
• Previous shift lead or line lead experience