Defense Production Lead — Safety, Quality & Lean

Advanced Thin Films; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 76,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

PTO

Job summary

Advanced Thin Films (ATF) designs and manufactures high-performance optical components for advanced laser applications serving demanding commercial and defense markets. The Production Supervisor, Defense is responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee performance on the shop floor.

Working closely with the Operations Manager and cross-functional partners including Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Supply

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Management, Optics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in a technical manufacturing environment.
• Previous supervisory or direct people leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience in a low‑volume, high‑mix or precision manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience supporting production planning, scheduling, and capacity management preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems; JD Edwards experience preferred in this role.
• Experience in cleanroom/ESD‑controlled or other controlled environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity objectives.
• Translate production schedules and priorities into clear daily expectations for the team.
• Prioritize work based on customer demand, constraints, staffing, and resources.
• Monitor production performance, identify risks, and adjust priorities as needed.
• Lead daily production meetings and communicate priorities and performance.
• Ensure effective shift handoffs and timely issue escalation/resolution.
• Partner with the Operations Manager and Planning on requirements and capacity.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Communication

Coaching

Data-driven

Decision making

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate/Bachelor in Engineering/Manufacturing/Business/Management/Optics

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Advanced Thin Films (ATF) designs and manufactures high-performance optical components for advanced laser applications serving demanding commercial and defense markets. The Production Supervisor, Defense is responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee performance on the shop floor.

Working closely with the Operations Manager and cross-functional partners including Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Supply