Production Manager Mid Level

Integrated Aqua Systems, Inc.; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Integrated Aqua Systems, Inc. is looking for a hands-on Production Manager to oversee fabrication and assembly operations in Vista, California. This role involves leading a production team, managing daily operations, and ensuring continuous improvement in production processes.

The ideal candidate will possess strong mechanical assembly expertise, leadership skills, and a background in aquaculture. The company values accountability, teamwork, and a commitment to quality in their low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, fabrication, or mechanical assembly.
• 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong background in mechanical assembly, plumbing systems, and fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day shop operations and lead a team of technicians.
• Plan and manage daily production workloads.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and work instructions.
• Support team in troubleshooting mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Skills

Mechanical assembly experience

Leadership

Production planning

Troubleshooting skills

Aquaculture knowledge

Tools

ERP systems

CAD

Visio

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Company Overview

Integrated Aqua Systems (IAS) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of aquatic life‑support equipment and systems serving the aquaculture, research, aquarium, and aquatic science industries. We deliver innovative, high‑quality technical solutions backed by decades of experience in water treatment, filtration, and aquatic system engineering.

As IAS continues to grow, we are seeking a skilled and professional Production Manager with strong aquaculture knowledge and technical proficiency in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. This individual will be responsible for managing complex system builds while leading a production team and providing informed, hands‑on technical guidance.

We operate in a low‑volume, high‑mix manufacturing environment where adaptability, craftsmanship, and problem‑solving are critical to success. Our culture emphasizes accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement, with a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Position Overview

Integrated Aqua Systems is seeking a hands‑on Production Manager to lead our fabrication and assembly operations. This role is responsible for managing day‑to‑day shop operations, leading a team of technicians and assemblers, and driving production planning, execution, and continuous improvement. This is a player‑coach leadership role requiring strong presence on the production floor, technical understanding, and the ability to balance execution with long‑term operational development. This role requires a blend of aquaculture expertise, project management capabilities, and technical knowledge of water filtration, pumping, and disinfection technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of 3–8 technicians
• Supervise material handling and inventory control
• Review material purchasing and quality control
• Establish daily priorities and ensure team alignment
• Drive accountability, performance standards, and team engagement
• Conduct regular performance check‑ins and coaching

Production Planning & Execution

• Plan, schedule, and manage daily production workloads
• Coordinate priorities based on project timelines and customer demand
• Ensure efficient flow of materials, tools, and documentation
• Maintain on‑time delivery and production quality standards
• Monitor and report on key production metrics (throughput, efficiency, on‑time delivery)

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and build documentation
• Standardize assembly processes and reduce variability
• Improve shop layout, workflow, and throughput
• Drive continuous improvement in efficiency, quality, and repeatability

Technical Leadership & Problem Solving

• Support and guide the team in troubleshooting mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems
• Collaborate with engineering to resolve manufacturability challenges
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventative actions

Operational Ownership

• Own production output, readiness, and overall team performance
• Ensure effective use of labor in both high‑and low‑demand periods
• Maintain organization, cleanliness, and safety standards

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, fabrication, or mechanical assembly
• 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role
• Strong background in mechanical assembly, PVC/plumbing systems, and fabrication
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, BOMs, and P&IDs
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, and workflow optimization

Preferred

• Experience in aquaculture, water treatment, or related industries
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Odoo preferred)
• Experience implementing SOPs and process improvements
• Background in low‑volume, high‑mix production environments
• Understanding of mechanical drawings, CAD and Visio

Key Traits for Success

• Strong leadership presence and accountability mindset
• Proactive, not reactive—anticipates and solves problems
• High ownership mentality with a company‑first approach
• Strong communication across departments
• Hands‑on problem solver with attention to detail

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Shop/warehouse work environment with occasional site visits and field service travel
• Ability to lift 40–50 lbs
• Comfortable working on feet for extended periods

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and capability
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and PTO

Equal Employment Opportunity

Integrated Aqua Systems is committed to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate on any legally recognized basis.