Production Line Leader

MKS Instruments, Inc.; Batu Kawan; On-site; MYR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

MKS Instruments, Inc. in Penang, Malaysia, is seeking a Production Line Leader to partner with the Production Supervisor to oversee daily line operations and manage assigned production shifts for the assembly process.

You will drive shift targets, lead pre‑shift briefings, monitor output, ensure quality, coach assemblers, and uphold 6S and safety standards while pursuing continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in electro‑mechanical manufacturing with at least 1–2 years in a Senior Assembler, Line Lead, or Supervisor role.
• Experience with 6S, line balancing, visual management and FIFO material flow.
• Clear communication, active coaching, conflict resolution, and structured floor troubleshooting.
• Capable of leading shifts (day/night or rotating) and maintaining takt time.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily line operations and manage assigned production shifts for assembly.
• Drive shift targets, lead pre‑shift briefings, and escalate line bottlenecks or material shortages.
• Audit assembly tasks against WI and SOP; enforce quality and limit non‑conforming units.
• Coach assemblers across processes; maintain skill matrix and certification coverage.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focusing on Quality, Cost, and Delivery; uphold 6S and safety.

Skills

Line Leadership

Shift Management

Team Coaching

Lean Tools

6S

FIFO

Education

High school / vocational training or equivalent

Tools

Lean manufacturing tools

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As a Production Line Leader at MKS, you will partner with Production Supervisor to oversee daily line operations and manage assigned production shifts for assembly process. In this role, you will report to the Production Supervisor.

You Will Make an Impact By:

Daily Output & Shift Execution: Drive shift targets to achieve daily planned output volume across all assembly workstations. Lead pre‑shift briefings to assign daily tasks, review safety/ESD expectations, and set hourly / daily production targets. Track hourly output against targets, performing quick root‑cause containment and escalation for line bottlenecks, material shortages, or tool downtime based on 4M requirements.

Assembly Operations & Quality Oversight

Audit assembler work against WI and SOP to enforce quality awareness. Direct and verify critical manual assembly tasks, including component installation, hand soldering, wire wrapping, and cable harnessing. Oversee in‑line verification checks on assembled units prior to testing process. Control non‑conforming units immediately to maintain high First‑Time Yield (FTY) and minimize line scrap.

Workforce Development & Line Balancing

Supervise, coach, and cross‑train Assemblers across different assembly processes. Ensure smooth line balancing to prevent station bottlenecks and maintain consistent takt time. Maintain the assembler skill matrix for certification across multiple processes.

Operational Excellence

Lead the team in executing continuous improvement initiatives across Quality, Cost, and Delivery to drive operational excellence.

Safety, Workstation Setup & 6S Standards

Ensure proper setup and calibration check for assembly equipment, torque tools, soldering stations, and wire‑harnessing jigs. Enforce strict hazards mitigation involving high voltage, electrical hardware, heat sources, and mechanical tools. Drive 6S discipline and full ESD protocol compliance across all assembly benches daily.

Skills You Bring:

Completion of high school, vocational training or equivalent is preferred. 3+ years in electro‑mechanical manufacturing, with at least 1–2 years in a Senior Assembler, Line Lead, or Supervisor role. Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing tools including 6S, line balancing, visual management, FIFO material flow. Clear communication, active team coaching, conflict resolution, and structured floor troubleshooting.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Fully flexible and capable of running independent operational shifts (day/night or rotating shifts) based on production scheduling. Thrives in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments while maintaining focus, accuracy, and performance standards. Able to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; regularly lift/move materials up to 50 lbs. High manual dexterity, hand‑eye coordination, and close‑range visual accuracy for inspecting small electronic components and wiring harnesses. Active manufacturing floor with exposure to average noise levels, hand tools, thermal equipment, and high‑voltage test/assembly setups. Occasional exposure to chemicals and fumes may occur; adherence to safety guidelines is mandatory.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to various export control regulations. Applicants for these positions may be limited (by, for example, their countries of citizenship, country of origin, or immigration status) where required by law or government contact, and/or employment made contingent upon the issuance of appropriate governmental licensing.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs.

We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.

MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

Our group of ~10,000 employees serves semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial markets. With over 3,800 patents, our products are enabling advancements in 5G, renewable energy & storage, artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and big data. We’re the behind‑the‑scenes support for some amazing technology. MKS Inc enables technologies that transform our world.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [e-mail].

MKS Instruments Product Overview

At MKS, it’s all about courage, big ideas, and a serious passion for innovation. Winning here is about exploring possibilities, taking action, and solving our customers’ toughest challenges. It’s not just a job – it’s what you make of it. While you shape your role and make it unique, we invest in you with on‑the‑job and formal training, as well as educational assistance. Curiosity is key at MKS – ask questions, own your path. Our success comes from celebrating the unique skills, diverse perspectives, and lived experience of employees from over 100 countries. The goal is to make sure that everyone feels that they belong. Diversity isn’t just a nice‑to‑have; making sure everyone feels included is a big deal for us.