Specialist Assembler

Saab; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Generous paid time off including 8hols

401(k) with employer contributions

Tuition assistance and student loan

Wellness and employee assistance

Employee stock purchase opportunities

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

Saab is seeking a Team Lead in West Lafayette, IN to build a high‑performance Structural Assembly team. You will provide daily guidance, perform hands‑on work, and drive production goals in partnership with the supervisor.

The role emphasizes safety, quality, cost, delivery, morale, and innovation, plus 6S standards. You will mentor staff, support continuous improvement, and participate in interviews and GEMBA presentations as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Degree or GED Required.
• 3+ years of structural/component assembly or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of front-line people leadership experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Experience in an AS9100 or ISO environment desired.
• Technical aptitude to learn new systems in an advanced manufacturing environment.
• Proven teamwork and solution driven leadership skills.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekend overtime when required.

Responsibilities

• Provides daily guidance to team members and communicates production goals in support of the supervisor.
• Performs hands-on production work approximately 80% of the time, ensuring adherence to quality and assembly standards.
• Champions KPIs including safety, quality, cost, delivery, morale, and innovation.
• Promotes 6S standards, maintaining a safe, clean, and positive work environment.
• Mentors and trains new employees, fostering teamwork, collaboration, and growth.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives and leads GEMBA presentations.
• Assists with staffing coverage to ensure daily production goals are met.
• Facilitates team meetings, communicates project status, and participates in assembler panel interviews.

Skills

Team leadership

Teamwork

Physical stamina

MS Office proficiency

Quality standards

Manufacturing environment

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description:

As Saab Continues to expand the West Lafayette operation, we are seeking a Team Lead to help build a high-performance team, supporting the Structural Assembly operation.

Responsibilities include:

• Provides daily guidance to team members and communicates production goals in support of the supervisor.
• Performs hands‑on production work approximately 80% of the time, ensuring adherence to quality and assembly standards.
• Champions KPIs, including safety, quality, cost, delivery, morale, and innovation.
• Promotes 6S standards, maintaining a safe, clean, and positive work environment.
• Contributes to a people‑first culture in alignment with Saab values: Trust, Drive, Expertise, and Support
• Mentors and trains new employees, fostering teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives and leads GEMBA presentations.
• Provides guidance on work procedures and policies, escalating issues as needed.
• Assists with staffing coverage to ensure daily production goals are met.
• Facilitates team meetings, communicates project status, and participates in Assembler panel interviews.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Compensation: Base hourly rate up to $31.50 per hour

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate’s work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

• High School Degree or GED Required
• 3+ years of structural/component assembly or equivalent experience required
• 2+ years of front-line people leadership experience in a manufacturing setting
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Experience in an AS9100 or ISO environment desired
• Technical aptitude to learn new systems in an advanced manufacturing environment
• Proven teamwork and solution driven leadership skills
• Must be able to stand for extended periods
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as consistently sitting, bending, stooping, twisting, grasping, gripping, standing, walking, climbing, reaching throughout a normal workday
• Ability to perform repetitive motions (such as lifting or assembly of parts) including the use of handheld power tools
• Ability to lift up to twenty‑five (25) pounds frequently, and up to fifty (50) pounds on occasion
• Ability to work extended hours and weekend overtime when required

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident (green card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug‑free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre‑employment drug screen.

Benefits:

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work‑life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.

Highlights include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
• Wellness and employee assistance resources
• Employee stock purchase opportunities
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

About Us:

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Aff…

Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.