Volume Production Quality Lead

J.R. MERRITT CONTROLS, INC; Stratford (CT); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Profit sharing

Health benefits

Annual performance & bonus incentives

Job summary

J.R. Merritt Controls, Inc is seeking a Volume Production Quality Lead in Stratford, CT to guide a joystick assembly line. You will manage line setup, start-ups, and rapid changeovers, applying Lean and 5S to maximize throughput and ensure quality.

The role demands hands-on leadership, cross-functional coordination, and strong problem solving as you optimize daily production schedules and material flow. A background in electro/mechanical assembly is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training preferred.
• 5+ years electro/mechanical experience with soldering.
• Experience with basic mechanical electrical tooling and measuring devices.
• English language proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking.

Responsibilities

• Lead assembly team to meet daily production goals and lean targets.
• Coordinate line setups, start-ups, and rapid changeovers with Lean/5S.
• Maintain Daily Management Board and report line metrics to Production Manager.
• Inspect components and finished goods for quality and accuracy.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

English proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Technical School Training

Tools

Soldering

Measuring devices

Blueprint interpretation

Job description

# Volume Production Quality Lead## Volume Production Quality Lead**Location:** Stratford, CT**Employment Type:** Full-TimeJ.R. Merritt Controls, Inc. provides innovative custom human interface solutions, including precision-engineered joystick controllers and operator armchair systems, for a wide variety of applications.**Summary of Duties and Responsibilities**Assist the Production Supervisor in leading a team in the efficient assembly of joystick assemblies. Execute equipment setups, line startups, and rapid changeovers to meet daily production quotas by applying Lean manufacturing and 5S methodologies.**Team Leadership & Production Scheduling*** Optimize Line Efficiency: Manage daily resource scheduling and tactical work assignments to balance production lines, monitor productivity pace, and maximize throughput.* Daily Management: Independently maintain, update, and present the Daily Management Board to track target metrics, line velocity, and safety goals.* Cross-Station Support: Act as a hands-on coach and backup/relief operator by maintaining cross-training across all line workstations to eliminate sudden workflow bottlenecks.* Management Reporting: Review daily schedules, identify potential material shortages or kit requirements, and provide direct status reports to the Production Manager.**Technical Setups, Tooling & Quality Control*** Equipment Verification: Calibrate and verify line equipment prior to shift startups, including checking fixtures, soldering irons, reamers, and power screwdrivers to exact torque specifications.* Technical Troubleshooting: Resolve immediate tooling and Line QC computer software issues to facilitate rapid shift handovers and minimize operational downtime.* First Piece Acceptance: Execute critical First Piece Acceptance protocols at the startup of each job to validate assembly processes before full production runs, as well as any issues with tooling or software.* Product Inspection: Inspect finished goods and individual components for absolute uniformity and verify strict adherence to final quality control standards.* Technical Literacy: Interpret blueprints, complex assembly drawings, and electrical wiring diagrams to diagnose and resolve complex assembly issues.**Material Logistics*** Material Auditing: Audit shop floor pick lists against official production and packaging paperwork to guarantee 100% component and part count accuracy.* Seamless Changeovers: Coordinate precision material staging, job reconciliation, and complete line clearance by removing materials from previous jobs.* Workflow Deployment: Prepare production materials and position current assembly Work Instructions (WI) clearly at the point of work.**Compliance, Lean & Workplace Safety*** ISO Quality Standards: Oversee comprehensive record-keeping, ensuring all mandatory production forms are accurately completed, signed, and systematically archived to ISO standards.* 5S Workplace Optimization: Maintain a safe, clean, and optimized Lean environment by strictly applying 5S pillars (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).* Document Control: Ensure assembly Work Instruction books remain legible and protected from the environment, and proactively notify the Document Manager of needed updates.* Safety & Escalation: Enforce standard operating policies among team members, notify management of engineering discrepancies, and promptly report any safety accidents or hazards.**Skills & Qualifications:*** Leadership & Collaboration: Proven ability to communicate effectively, cross-collaboratively align with other departments, and lead assembly teams toward daily production goals.* Problem Solving Skills: Strong root-cause analysis skills to resolve unexpected line issues and drive continuous improvement.* Language & Computers: Proficient in English (reading, writing, and speaking) with strong basic computer literacy.**Experience:*** High School Diploma or equivalent;* Technical School or 5+ years of electro/mechanical experience with Soldering experience* Experience with using basic mechanical electrical tooling and measuring devices.**Reports to:*** Production Supervisor / Quality EngineerThe benefits offered by the company include:* Clean and Friendly Work Environment* 401K Savings Plan with Company Matching* Profit sharing* Competitive Health & Benefits Package* Annual Performance & Bonus IncentivesYou will Gain Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of J.R. Merritt production processes, technical joystick testing, and mechanical assembly.Apply now