Second-Shift Gear Production Manager: Lead Lean, Drive Output

Solar Turbines Incorporated; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Production Manager to lead hourly gear manufacturing teams, directing daily operations and coordinating with engineering and quality. The role emphasizes shop floor execution, safety, and continuous improvement to meet production targets.

The ideal candidate guides machining processes, analyzes workflow, and supports modernization initiatives on 2nd shift, with escalation to the Unit Manager as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience leading hourly employees in a machining or gear manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of gear manufacturing processes (hobbing, shaping, grinding, inspection).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Proven leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Experience driving continuous improvement and shop floor execution.
• Proficient using Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Supervising daily operations within gear manufacturing cells, including gear cutting and gear grinding areas
• Ensuring adherence to process standards, work instructions, and quality requirements (e.g., gear pitch, profile, and lead tolerances)
• Driving schedule execution while managing constraints such as machine downtime, tooling availability, and material shortages
• Supporting cross-training and development of machinists across multiple gear processes
• Monitoring productivity, efficiency, and utilization to meet area and unit performance goals
• Leading problem-solving efforts related to scrap, rework, and process deviations
• Enforcing safety standards, 5S practices, and company policies

Skills

Team leadership

Gear manufacturing

Reading engineering drawings

Communication

Continuous improvement

Microsoft Excel

Shift readiness

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Production Manager to lead hourly gear manufacturing teams, directing daily operations and coordinating with engineering and quality. The role emphasizes shop floor execution, safety, and continuous improvement to meet production targets.

The ideal candidate guides machining processes, analyzes workflow, and supports modernization initiatives on 2nd shift, with escalation to the Unit Manager as needed.