Production Manager - Fabrication, Engineering, & Maintenance

Job Description

Job Description

The Production Manager – Fabrication, Engineering & Maintenance is responsible for leading and developing the fabrication department while providing oversight to the engineering and maintenance departments that support manufacturing operations. This position will focus on strengthening production systems, improving efficiency, and aligning fabrication, engineering, and maintenance toward shared operational goals.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in fabrication and machining operations, understands how to build and refine systems, and can lead through collaboration, organization, and process discipline.

Leadership & Oversight

• Provide leadership and coordination for Fabrication, Engineering, and Maintenance department managers.
• Align departmental priorities with company goals and business needs for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Support and mentor managers in developing people, systems, and performance standards.
• Collaborate with other Production Managers to ensure cross-department communication and support.
• Create documentation standards for work instructions, inspections, and work traveler documentation for all part numbers in production
• Review business priorities and schedule all employees in advance to support the completion of projects that meet the customer’s expectations.
• Create and utilize an inventory tracking system and material ordering system that tracks current WIP and raw materials needs are being met.

Fabrication & Engineering Operations

• Oversee fabrication scheduling (for equipment and employees based on ART scores and training proficiency), resource planning, purchase orders, and process development.
• Partner with Engineering to ensure manufacturability, design accuracy, and production efficiency.
• Support introduction of new products, tooling, and process improvements.
• Develop standard operating procedures and workflow systems to improve throughput and quality.
• Work with Sales manager and CMO to quote and schedule new customer work.

Maintenance Coordination

• Provide oversight to the Maintenance Department Manager to ensure all all resources are being optimized.
• Ensure preventive maintenance programs are established and followed.
• Coordinate maintenance priorities that support all production departments.
• Evaluate opportunities for system and equipment upgrades to improve reliability and performance.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and lead process improvement initiatives across fabrication and maintenance.
• Support implementation of lean practices and data-driven decision-making, utilizing PDCA Process
• Collaborate with the Chief Manufacturing Officer to set goals, metrics, and improvement plans. Present progress towards these goals monthly.
  
  

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a fabrication environment (sheet metal, CNC machining, turning, laser/punch, water jet cutting, powder coating, or similar).
• Experience managing and scheduling multiple technical teams or departments.
• Solid understanding of SolidWorks, Mastercam, G-code, and CNC programming.
• Experience implementing or improving production systems, scheduling, or workflows.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work hands-on and train when needed while maintaining a big-picture perspective.

Personal Attributes

• Practical, approachable leader who can build systems and people simultaneously.
• Able to balance structure with flexibility in a growing department.
• Collaborative and confident working across departments and with leadership.
• Focused on results, efficiency, and team development.
  
  

About MSI

At MSI, we are a manufacturing and logistics company located in northern Vermont, serving customers across multiple industries with precision, reliability, and innovation. Our culture is built on accountability, flexibility, collaboration, productivity, and a commitment to finding solutions. We take pride in investing in our people, our equipment, and our workplace so employees can grow their skills and build long-term careers.

MSI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid and voluntary insurance options, and a 401(k) retirement plan. We believe in supporting our employees’ well-being, fostering a positive work environment, and creating opportunities for professional development across all levels of the organization.