Volume Production Quality Lead

Location: Stratford, CT

Employment Type: Full-Time

J.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: