Supervisor, Cathode ( Third Shift)

FuelCell Energy; Torrington (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

FuelCell Energy is seeking a Cathode Department Supervisor to lead the third shift operations in Torrington, Connecticut. This role is pivotal in ensuring the production of high-quality cathode components, emphasizing safety, quality, and efficiency within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

The position entails overseeing daily production, managing a team, and driving continuous improvement initiatives while collaborating with engineering and quality assurance to meet operational goals.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of supervisory experience in manufacturing.
• Ability to interpret work instructions and bills of materials.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing tools like 6S and standard work.

Responsibilities

• Own daily production execution for cathode operations.
• Supervise operators and coordinate daily staffing.
• Manage throughput, labor utilization, and equipment uptime.

Skills

Team leadership

Lean manufacturing tools

Problem-solving

Safety management

Production metrics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or technical certification

Tools

CNC machining

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lead third shift cathode manufacturing operations responsible for producing repeatable, high-quality components that support FuelCell Energy production. Ensure safety, quality, throughput, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved while maintaining standard work, process discipline, and team accountability to support a successful production ramp.

The Cathode Department Supervisor is a key front‑line leadership role responsible for translating production goals into safe, efficient, and repeatable execution on the shop floor. This position has a direct impact on delivery performance, product quality, workforce development, and continuous improvement within a critical manufacturing value stream at FuelCell Energy.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production

Own daily production execution for cathode department operations, including sintering nickel powder, furnace operations, CNC milling, electrolyte mixing, and related in-process activities as applicable to the department

Drive schedule attainment and on‑time completion of work orders to support downstream operations and customer delivery commitments

Manage throughput, laborutilization, scrap, rework, and equipment uptime;identifyand remove bottlenecks using lean manufacturing tools and root cause problem solving

Maintain production floor discipline through 6S, standard work, visual management, clear communication, and daily accountability for safety, quality, and output

Directly supervise cathode department operators and coordinate daily staffing, work assignments, and labor priorities to meet production demand

Interview candidates, assess fit for the role and team, and make recommendations or decisions on new hires in partnership with management and human resources to support staffing needs.

Develop team capability through hands‑on training, cross‑training, coaching, skills progression, and reinforcement of work instructions and process expectations

Lead employee performance management, coaching, attendance follow‑up, corrective action, and consistent enforcement of company policies, safety rules, and workplace standards

Quality & Process Control

Ensure operators follow work instructions, OCP’s, inspection requirements, and process controls to produce cathode components that meet process, dimensional, and workmanship standards

Own response to nonconformingproducton the floor, coordinate containment activities, and support root cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce repeat issues

Monitor process performance, scrap trends, process defects, and workmanship issues, partnering with quality and engineering to improve consistency, yield, and process capability

Engineering Collaboration

Partner with manufacturing, quality, and design engineering on process improvements, equipment needs, tooling changes, and manufacturability feedback

Support product and process trials on the floor, including validation of new methods, updated work instructions, and operator readiness for production changes

Provide operational input for equipment commissioning, maintenance priorities, and layout improvements that enhance safety, flow, and productivity

EHS & Compliance

Maintain a safe work environment by enforcing PPE requirements, safe equipment operation, material handling rules, and compliance with site EHS procedures

Ensuretimelyreporting and follow‑up of safety incidents, near misses, and corrective actions while reinforcing a zero-incident culture

Metrics & Reporting

Track and report key performance indicators including schedule attainment, labor efficiency, scrap, rework, first-pass yield, attendance, and equipment uptime

Communicate daily performance results, staffing concerns, material constraints, and escalation items to leadership and cross‑functional partners

Qualifications

Required

High school diploma or GEDrequired; associate degree, technical certification, or trade school training in manufacturing or a related field is a plus

Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably supporting powder processing, furnace operations, CNC machining, chemical mixing, or related production operations

Ability to read and interpret workinstructions, OCP’s, bills of material, and inspection criteria

Demonstrated ability to lead teams, prioritize work, solve production problems, and drive results in safety, quality, delivery, and cost

Working knowledge of lean manufacturing tools such as6S, standard work, visual management, and root cause problem solving; basicproficiencyin Microsoft Officerequired

Preferred

Experience in a manufacturing environment supporting mechanical, thermal, machining, or process-based production operations

Experience with ERP or production tracking systems and the use of production metrics to manage daily performance

Experience supporting new product introductions, process changes, or equipment implementation in a production setting

Prior experience leading teams in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment with strong expectations for accountability, training, and continuous improvement

Experience interviewing manufacturing candidates, making hiring decisions, training new employees, and coaching team members to performance expectations