Production Supervisor

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

401K + Profit Sharing + ESPP

Paid time off & holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee wellness program

Job summary

Astronics CSC in Waukegan, IL seeks a Production Supervisor to lead and optimize our wire harness and cable assembly shop in a fast‑growing aerospace facility.

You will schedule daily work, manage capacity, and drive lean improvements while ensuring strict aviation quality and on‑time delivery for flight‑critical assemblies.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of production leadership supervising wire harness/cable assembly in aerospace/defense
• Hands-on experience with ARINC connectors (ARINC 404, 600)
• Ability to read and teach engineering drawings and schematics
• Strong knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001 quality systems
• Experience motivating teams in fast-paced environments
• Proficient in ERP/MES and Microsoft Office

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities in wire harness and cable assembly shop
• Ensure compliance with aerospace build specs and ARINC termination techniques
• Forecast manpower needs and schedule work to scale with growth
• Coach and develop team members to maintain high morale
• Monitor quality and on-time delivery; investigate root causes and reduce scrap
• Maintain 5S and drive continuous improvement across layouts
• Ensure compliance with auditing standards (AS9100/ISO 9001)
• Collaborate with Engineering, QA, Procurement and Mgmt
• Oversee onboarding and technical training for multi-functional teams
• Manage tooling, fixtures, and safety equipment for safe schedules
• Document and report production metrics to leadership

Skills

Production leadership

Reading engineering drawings

Analytical/problem solving

ERP/MES systems

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High School diploma, GED, or Technical Trade School certificate

Certification in aerospace workmanship standards (IPC/WHMA-A-620 or NASA-STD-8739)

Tools

ARINC connectors experience (ARINC 404, 600)

Aerospace build specs & blueprints

MS Excel

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.
• 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.

As set forth in Astronics Corporation’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.