Supervisor, Composites (Weekend-1st Shift)

Firefly Aerospace; Town of Texas (WI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Parental leave

Relocation assistance

Educational reimbursement

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Supervisor to lead our 1st shift composite manufacturing team. You will ensure quality, safety, cost, and schedule adherence while coaching technicians to high performance.

The role requires collaboration with Manufacturing Engineers, Quality, and Supply Chain to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement across production. 3 x 12-hour shifts are typical.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of composite manufacturing experience.
• 2+ years’ experience in multiple composite manufacturing processes, including hand lamination, bonding, high tolerance cutting, and vacuum bagging.
• 2+ years in a leadership role in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience developing and improving shop procedures and work instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and craftsmanship in composite fabrication.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and manufacturing software systems.
• Safety- and compliance-focused mindset with attention to detail.
• On-site shift support including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in standing, bending, and kneeling positions.
• Experience leading teams in aerospace or space production.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP audit processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a production team of technicians to deliver high-quality composite aerospace products on time and within budget.
• Support assigned shifts by coordinating resources and ensuring alignment with daily and long-term objectives.
• Manage and document shift handovers to ensure continuity and accountability.
• Conduct daily pre-shift readiness checks and end-of-shift reviews.
• Provide coverage on nights and weekends as required to support objectives.
• Maintain floor presence to monitor operations and enforce work instructions.
• Review work vs. plan and disseminate recovery plans for shortfalls.
• Communicate shift accomplishments and risks to leadership via daily updates.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external requirements and detailed instructions.
• Approve PTO and timecards; manage technician schedules.
• Develop and maintain a skills matrix; propose staffing/training needs.
• Promote safety culture and sustain shop safety improvements.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve production issues.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce cost and improve quality.

Skills

Composite manufacturing

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

MS Office

Lean/Six Sigma

Tools

Manufacturing software systems

Job description

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Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

The Supervisor provides leadership and oversight in the manufacture of advanced composite aerospace structures. This role ensures production teams meet quality, safety, cost, and schedule requirements while coaching and developing technicians to achieve high performance. The Supervisor works closely with Manufacturing Engineers, Quality, and Supply Chain partners to coordinate shift execution, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvement across the production area. This position is for our 1st Shift operations. 3 x12 hour shifts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and supervise a production team of technicians to deliver high-quality composite aerospace products on time and within budget.
• Support assigned shifts by coordinating resources, resolving issues, and ensuring alignment with daily and long-term production objectives.
• Manage and document effective shift handovers to ensure seamless communication, production continuity, and accountability between shifts.
• Conduct daily pre-shift readiness checks and support end-of-shift reviews to ensure smooth transition to incoming shifts.
• Provide coverage and leadership on nights and weekends as required to support company objectives and production schedules.
• Maintain floor presence to monitor operations, verify adherence to work instructions, and support problem resolution.
• Review work completed vs. planned; disseminate recovery plans for shortfalls.
• Communicate shift accomplishments and risks to leadership through daily reports and updates.
• Ensure compliance with all internal and external requirements and detailed work instructions.
• Approve PTO and timecards; manage technician schedules to support production objectives.
• Develop and maintain a skills matrix; propose staffing and training needs based on data-driven assessments or gaps in existing staffing.
• Promote and enforce a culture of safety; implement and sustain improvements to shop safety practices.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve production issues and support program objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, improve quality, and increase efficiency.
• Hold team members accountable to company policies and standards; provide coaching, feedback, and corrective actions when necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 6+ years of composite manufacturing experience.
• 2+ years’ experience in multiple composite manufacturing processes, including:
  • Hand lamination (carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar, etc.)
  • Bonding operations (surface preparation, adhesive application)
  • High tolerance cutting, drilling, and assembly
  • Vacuum bagging for autoclave or oven curing
• 2+ years in a leadership role in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience developing and improving shop procedures and work instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated craftsmanship in composite fabrication.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and manufacturing software systems.
• Safety- and compliance-focused mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Able to provide on-site support for your assigned shift, including, nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in standing, bending, and kneeling positions for extended periods.
• Work performed in a manufacturing environment with PPE requirements (safety glasses, gloves, respirators as needed).
• Experience leading teams in a high-rate aerospace or space production environment.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP audit processes.

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability,relocation, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.