Assembly Assistant Manager

APPARATUS; Town of Red Hook (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

APPARATUS is seeking a hands-on Production Operations and Quality Lead to support day-to-day assembly, drive production quality, mentor teams, and ensure workflow execution in alignment with APPARATUS standards of craft and excellence.

You will manage work orders, monitor KPIs, perform precision wiring and testing, maintain SOPs, and collaborate with Product, Sales and Client Services to deliver high-end lighting and furniture collections.

Qualifications

• 2 years in a comparable manufacturing role with high-quality products.
• Electrical manufacturing knowledge with metal, glass, porcelain, and leather; lighting or furniture experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or Engineering; familiarity with project workflow, 3D modeling and ERP.

Responsibilities

• Support assembly operations to meet production and launch commitments; schedule and manage work orders with real-time system updates.
• Monitor production reports; understand and act on key performance metrics.
• Perform precision wiring, assembly, electrical testing and high voltage testing per work instructions; prepare products as needed.
• Maintain expert-level aesthetic and functional understanding of all active collections and quality parameters.
• Conduct quality control inspections and root cause analysis; implement corrective actions.
• Train and mentor team members; promote safety and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Product, Sales and Client Services; support inventory audits and cross-functional projects.
• Maintain SOPs and work instructions; ensure safe, organized, compliant workspace; perform equipment maintenance.

Skills

Production operations

Electrical testing

Color/texture sensibility

Communication & coaching

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or Engineering

Tools

ERP

3D modeling software

Project workflow

Job description

APPARATUS is a New York-based designer and manufacturer of a distinctive catalog of high-end, high-touch lighting, furniture and objects. We produce both in-house and with the support of high-quality external partners; our catalog is sold globally.

This role supports day-to-day assembly operations, contributing to production quality, team development, and workflow execution in alignment with APPARATUS standards of craft and excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Operations and Quality

• Support assembly operations to meet production and launch commitments; schedule and manage work orders with real-time system updates.
• Monitor production reports; understand and act on key performance metrics.
• Perform precision wiring, assembly, operational and electrical high voltage functional testing according to work instructions; prepare products as needed.
• Maintain expert-level aesthetic and functional understanding of all active collections, components, and quality parameters.
• Perform quality control inspections; conduct root cause analysis from discovery through corrective action.

Team Leadership and Development

• Train and mentor team members; set the standard for best practices and continuous improvement.
• Lead by example; promote safety, skill-building, and excellence in productivity and quality.
• Ensure compliance with company and regulatory safety requirements; support training.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Product on design and development initiatives; provide technical guidance to Sales and Client Services.
• Support physical inventory audits and cross-functional projects as needed.
• Foster productive working relationships.

Operations and Standards

• Implement and maintain accurate SOPs, work instructions and engineering changes.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace in compliance with regulatory and company policies when working with live electricity, power tools, and hazardous materials.
• Perform equipment maintenance and inspections; support department opening and closing duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 years in a comparable manufacturing role with high-quality products.
• Electrical manufacturing knowledge and material familiarity with metal, glass, porcelain, and leather. Experience in high-quality lighting or furniture strongly preferred.
• Preferred qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with Industrial Design or Engineering concentration. Software: project workflow, 3D modeling and/or ERP.

SKILLS

• Solid understanding of production operations, dependencies, and process impacts.
• Expert-level assembly, wiring, and live electrical testing; trained in 120V/240V safety protocols, QC methodology, and care and handling standards.
• Highly skilled manual dexterity; proficient with hand tools and electrical testing equipment.
• Ability to perceive color and texture; detailed and developed aesthetic sensibility.Qualified to read and interpret manufacturing drawings and specifications.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills; able to motivate, coach, and give effective feedback.
• Analytical problem-solver; proficient with production systems and recordkeeping.
• Adaptable, solutions-oriented, and trustworthy with confidential information.
• Physical: routinely lifts up to 50 lbs, works standing, reaches overhead, climbs ladders; compliant with electrical, PPE and hazardous material safety policies.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time, on-site: Monday–Friday between 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
• Extended hours and weekend availability as needed.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND CHECK-INS SCHEDULE

• Annual performance review.

This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is based in our Red Hook, Brooklyn factory. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.