Grp Leader, Assembly Oper

At Kaman, we are always looking for a better way. Whether we are helping keep our troops safe or pioneering safer ways to fly the globe, we approach every challenge with an innovation mindset. We consider our people to be the key to our success and have created an environment that provides opportunities for our employees to learn and grow in their careers. We are currently searching for a talented Group Leader, Assembly Operations at Kaman Precision Products in Middletown, CT, to be a key part of our outstanding Operations team. We are looking for candidates who embody our core values: Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Creativity, and Honor.

The Group Leader will work under the general direction of the Team Leader and is responsible to determine and direct the sequence of manufacturing operations and functions required to manufacture products that comply with company goals and customer requirements.

• Plan, lead and supervise assigned functions in Manufacturing Operations Group necessary to manufacture and deliver products in accordance with contractual and other related requirements such as quality, procurement regulations, program requirements, cost control/budgets, engineering change control, environmental compliance and others. Perform a wide range of assembly and test operations, operate equipment and oversee product quality and workmanship schedule, assigning and monitoring work within the cell to meet program objectives.

• Responsible to execute on assigned program budgets, costs to complete and compliance to quality systems requirements and procedures, per the instruction of the Team Leader. Ensure established metrics that track performance to the requirements in quality, schedule, cost and continued application of lean enterprise are executed. Make recommendations on production tooling, determining needs. Oversee tool maintenance. Ensure necessary material, machinery and/or personnel are available when needed. Report deficiencies to Team Leader and work to repair those deficiencies. Monitor production process within Group to ensure work orders are followed properly, takt time is being achieved and required paperwork is completed appropriately. Participate in recommendations for corrective and preventive actions.

• Establish and maintain effective communication within and between functional groups/management to address problems and obtain resolution. Execute on cost control by scheduling appropriate use of manpower through balancing production need. Develop and revise assembly and production procedures. Maintain high standard of performance expectations from employees through appropriate evaluations and training such that the assigned functions demonstrate continuous improvement and compliance to standards.

• Provide input on Employee Performance Appraisals. Provide input on employee placement, requirements for hiring of personnel and training/cross training. Provide input for product quotes and estimates complete requests. Lead and/or participate in process improvement efforts to address or enhance program quality, cost and scheduling.

• Assure coordination and integration of workflow with continuous improvement through lean activities Support Company initiatives including ISO 9000 and Statistical Process Control (SPC) ensuring continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and products. Support all environmental and safety standards. Set standards for a safe work environment and provide leadership in the prevention of damaged goods. Maintain and monitor visual systems that support the programs, work with support departments to improve company systems, to increase performance. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Broad understanding of manufacturing methods, techniques and processes and ability to read/interpret schematics and blueprints. Use of basic math skills together with the use of complicated drawings, specifications, charts, tables, types of measuring equipment. Accurate and efficient use of personal computer including spreadsheet and database software. Over 3 years related experience, to qualify.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Good oral and written communication skills required.

• Requires the use of considerable judgement to plan and perform sequence of set-ups, operations, and processes within the limitations of recognized or standard methods or procedures. Unusual and difficult work where only general methods are available, and in the making of broad decisions, involving considerable initiative and ingenuity.
• Moderate physical demand consisting of frequently (Over 40% and up to 70%) lifting or moving average weight over 25 lbs. of material.
• Concentrated mental and visual attention in laying out or otherwise performing complex work to very close limits of high accuracy and quality or in coordination of a high degree of manual dexterity with close visual attention for sustained periods.
• Normal care required in operating equipment or performing duties to prevent injury to others. An accident should it occur would result in lost time injuries such as severe fractures, loss of fingers or toes, eye injuries or health hazards not incapacitating in nature.
• Responsible for more than 2 up to and including 10 people.

Kaman is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected characteristics protected by law. Kaman and all its related companies fully endorse equal opportunity for all.

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Notice Requirement: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.