Production Supervisor

Astronics; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stay Healthy

Save for the Future

Profit Sharing & ESPP

Find Balance

Time for You

Professional Growth

Job summary

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (Astronics CSC) seeks a Production Supervisor to lead the wire harness and cable assembly shop in our Waukegan, IL facility. You will schedule daily work, manage capacity, and drive lean improvements to meet strict aviation quality and delivery schedules.

The role requires 3+ years of leadership in aerospace fabrication, deep ARINC connector experience, and strong problem-solving with ERP/MES tools.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of production leadership supervising a wire harness/cable shop in aerospace/defense/aviation.
• Strong ability to read, interpret complex engineering drawings and wire schematics.
• Experience with aerospace quality systems AS9100 and ISO 9001.
• Proven ability to motivate, influence, and resolve conflicts in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, and ERP/MES systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities in the wire harness and cable shop.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace build specs, ARINC termination techniques.
• Schedule work and forecast manpower to scale with growth.
• Coach and develop the production team for high performance.
• Monitor quality and on-time delivery; reduce scrap and rework.
• Apply 5S and lean improvements to throughput and layouts.
• Ensure adherence to AS9100/ISO audits and standards.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Procurement and Management.
• Oversee onboarding and training for multi-functional capabilities.
• Manage tools, fixtures, materials and safety to meet schedules.
• Report production schedules, metrics, and capacity constraints to management.

Skills

Leadership

Engineering drawings

AS9100 knowledge

ERP/MES systems

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

ARINC connectors

Job description

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly TelefonixPDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.

This position requires onsite presence daily at our Waukegan, IL office.

Position Summary

As a Production Supervisor in our rapidly growing aerospace manufacturing facility, you will lead, scale, and optimize our specialized wire harness assembly shop. In this role, you will schedule daily work, manage capacity planning, and drive operational excellence to support our surging production demands. You will be directly responsible for leading a high-performing team tasked with fabricating flight-critical wire harnesses, complex cable assemblies, and specialized ARINC connector configurations, ensuring all products meet strict aviation quality and delivery schedules.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following; other duties may be assigned:

• Shop Leadership: Provide hands‑on supervision of daily production activities within the wire harness and cable assembly shop.

• Technical Oversight: Ensure strict compliance with aerospace build specifications, blueprint schematics, and specialized termination/crimping techniques for ARINC connectors and high‑reliability cabling.

• Capacity & Scheduling: Schedule tactical work content within the department and accurately forecast manpower needs to scale alongside rapid company growth.

• Performance & Culture: Drive the performance of team members by providing real‑time direction, coaching, and constructive feedback to cultivate a culture of accountability and high morale.

• Quality & Continuous Improvement: Monitor product quality and on‑time delivery. Root‑cause repeat assembly issues, sustain corrective actions, and continuously reduce scrap rates.

• Continuous Improvement (Lean): Maintain full adherence to 5S practices at all times and implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimize throughput and production layouts.

• Compliance & Audits: Ensure all work areas and processes strictly adhere to internal and external aerospace auditing standards (e.g., AS9100, customer specifications).

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner and communicate effectively with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Management to maintain an efficient, seamless operational interface.

• Training & Mentorship: Lead the onboarding and ongoing technical training of the production team to ensure multi‑functional versatility across complex wire harness builds.

• Resource Management: Ensure the shop floor is consistently equipped with the calibrated tooling, fixtures, materials, and safety equipment necessary to complete schedules safely and efficiently.

• Reporting: Document and report production schedules, metrics, and capacity constraints clearly to direct and executive management.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required

• 3+ years of production leadership experience specifically supervising a wire harness / cable assembly shop within the aerospace, defense, or aviation industry.

• Deep technical expertise in fabricating aerospace‑grade wire harnesses, including hands‑on experience with routing, crimping, shielding, and ARINC connectors (e.g., ARINC 404, 600 series).

• Exceptional ability to read, interpret, and teach complex engineering drawings, wire schematics, and structural build documentation.

• Strong working knowledge of aerospace quality management systems, specifically AS9100 and ISO 9001.

• Proven track record of motivating, influencing, and resolving conflicts in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, and ERP/MES systems).

Preferred

• Active or prior certification in aerospace workmanship standards such as IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 or NASA‑STD‑8739.

• High School diploma, GED, or Technical Trade School certificate.

• Bilingual English/Spanish to effectively lead and support a diverse workforce.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base salary: $60,000 - $70,000, influenced by several factors including experience, skill set, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus.

• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export‑control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.

Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full‑time employees, with part‑time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro‑rated basis.

• Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.

• Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a “safe harbor” plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.

• Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program

• Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.

• Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side‑by‑side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer‑focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company’s strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.

For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.