Production Supervisor - Livermore - Specular Theory

Description

Company Description: Specular Theory is an award-winning immersive content and technology startup based in Venice Beach, & Livermore, CA. Our company creatively drives all productions from beginning to end, with a unique culture of experimentation, breaking new ground, and winning awards.  You will be working with our Aerospace VR training division to develop next-gen hardware that enhances the functionality of custom flight controls.  We combine state-of-the-art virtual and mixed reality environments with advanced control systems to replicate real flight.  

Job Description Summary: Specular Theory is growing our hardware team that designs, manufactures, and assembles flight simulators.  We are looking for an experienced production supervisor to optimize our assembly process and improve our manufacturing throughput and efficiency.  You will help manage the entire production operation from receiving vendor parts to shipping assembled simulators.   

Roles and Responsibilities 

Is your CV ready If so, and you are confident this is the role for you, make sure to apply asap.

Assembly and Manufacturing 

• Collaborate with a team of technicians that manually build simulator sub- and final- assemblies. 
• Allocate resources and plan builds so lower-level subs efficiently feed upper-level subs.  
• Create production workflows, monitor cycle times, and track and record assembly progress. 
• Troubleshoot and fix assembly problems and resolve roadblocks that arise during production.  
• Design, procure, build, and implement assembly fixtures and jigs that simplify production. 
• Document assembly issues, redline drawings, and provide production feedback to engineers. 
• Communicate DFM and DFA ideas to help optimize assembly drawings and instructions. 
• Participate in prototype assembly and testing, and assist engineers in developing new designs.  
• Optimize existing production processes and create new procedures to improve efficiency.   
• Learn how to build every assembly and cross-train technician to perform new operations. 
• Work as an individual contributor and build hardware during heavy workloads or tight schedules.  
• Help clean and sustain assembly areas, procure and organize tools, and maintain equipment. 

Quality Assurance and Testing 

• Develop a final test or inspection for every sub-assembly and wire harness we manufacture. 
• Design, procure, build, and implement test and inspection setups to check every assembly. 
• Create inspection and test procedures and train team members on how to perform them.  
• Develop test and inspection checklists that technicians fill out and travel with the hardware. 
• Ensure every assembly is inspected and tested and help diagnose and fix units that fail. 
• Document, optimize, and produce our existing test stands and inspection equipment. 
• Help disposition non-conforming parts that are found during incoming inspection and assembly. 
• Provide suggestions to improve external supplier quality and internal test yield on assemblies.   

Hardware Management  

• Help organize how we store and label hardware and optimize our material handling processes. 
• Manage how parts flow from incoming to inspection to inventory to assembly to finished goods.   
• Help monitor part counts, issue parts to kits, and move finished assemblies to next operations.  
• Use our MRP software to open and close builds and update assembly progress in real-time.   

Personnel Support 

• Monitor production areas and personnel to ensure our manufacturing runs safely and efficiently. 
• Oversee daily production activities and assign individual actions to production team members.     
• Provide the production team with guidance and assistance and be a liaison to management. 
• Monitor production team members' performance and provide constructive feedback as needed. 
• Share individual performance feedback with the Hardware Team Lead.   
• Help resolve minor personnel conflicts and elevate larger issues to HR or management.  

Required Qualifications 

• Proficient with production, assembly, and manufacturing principles, skills, tools, and techniques. 
• Proficient with CAD models, 2D dimensional drawings, and assembly drawings and instructions. 
• Proficient with complex assemblies involving multi-layered sub-assemblies in an indented BOM. 
• Proficient with setting up and performing inspections and tests and interpreting the results. 
• Proficient with troubleshooting technical problems and implementing hands-on fixes.   
• Familiar with mechanical assemblies, electrical assemblies, PCBAs, and wire harnesses.   
• Familiar with assigning tasks, providing support, and monitoring team members' performance. 
• Familiar with production workflows, material handling, and inventory management principles.    
• Being able to work independently and collaborate with and lead diverse, cross-functional teams.   
• Being comfortable in a rapid start-up environment with multiple projects and shifting priorities.   
• Being flexible and willing to work on tasks outside this basic job description. 
• Being detail-oriented with strong oral and written communication skills. 

Preferred Skills  

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, and 5S principles. 
• Experience with 3D modeling in CAD.  Using AutoDesk Inventor is a plus. 
• Experience with MRP software.  Knowledge and use of SOS Inventory is a plus. 
• Familiar working with motion control systems using motors, actuators, and geartrains.  

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field. 
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing and production of mechanical assemblies.   
• To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a US citizen or a national, US lawful, permanent resident.   

Featured Benefits:  

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare insurance 
• 401(k) program with a company match 
• Paid time off and sick days 
• Paid holidays 
• Competitive wages 

Specular Theory is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications—without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. 

In accordance with Pay Transparency laws, Specular Theory is committed to providing clear and equitable compensation information. xhmxlyz  

The pay range for this position is: $90,000.00 – $130,000.00 per year 

Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as: 

• Relevant experience 
• Skills and qualifications 
• Education or certifications 
• Internal equity 
• Market conditions 

Specular Theory also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other employee programs, depending on the role and eligibility.