Finishing Assistant Manager

Apparatus; New York (NY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits

Job summary

APPARATUS, a New York-based designer and manufacturer, seeks a hands-on role supporting day-to-day finishing operations, quality, and production workflow. You will collaborate across teams to ensure craft standards are met and processes remain efficient.

The position requires 2 years in a high-quality manufacturing setting, a design/engineering mindset, and experience with patina finishing, color matching, and inspection practices.

Qualifications

• 2 years in a comparable manufacturing role with high-quality products.
• Bachelor’s degree with Industrial Design or Engineering concentration.
• Software: project workflow, 3D modeling and/or ERP.

Responsibilities

• Support finishing 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 immersion and hand-applied patinas, color matching, hand polishing-waxing-buffing according to work instructions, and 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.
• 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.
• Collaborate with Product on design and development initiatives; provide technical guidance to Sales and Client Services.

Skills

Production operations

Patina finishing

Quality control

Team coaching

Color matching

Reading drawings

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or Engineering

Tools

ERP

3D modeling

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 finishing 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 finishing 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 immersion and hand-applied patinas, color matching, hand polishing-waxing-buffing according to work instructions, and 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 equipment 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.
• 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 cold patina and metal finishing skills; trained in safety protocols, QC methodology, and care and handling standards.
• Highly skilled manual dexterity; proficient with hand tools, hand-applied patination and immersion oxidation systems.
• Ability to perceive color and surface characteristics and quality; and a highly developed eye for aesthetic detail.
• 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 30 lbs, works standing, reaches overhead, climbs ladders; compliant with 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.

Salary starting from $28/hour

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.