Assistant Production Manager

Job Description: Assistant Production Manager
Location: Arizona
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: TBD
Reports To: Production Manager

About Pilgrim Aerospace:

Pilgrim Aerospace is a leading provider of high-performance fasteners for the aerospace industry. We are committed to manufacturing excellence, innovation, and the highest standards of quality. Our mission is to produce precision-engineered components that serve the most demanding aerospace applications. We are currently seeking a driven and technically skilled Assistant Production Manager to join our Arizona team. This role offers a unique opportunity for individuals with production leadership experience and/or an engineering background to play a critical role in day-to-day manufacturing operations while contributing to long-term operational growth and process optimization.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Production Manager will provide hands-on leadership and support across all production areas. This position will play a vital role in coordinating workflow, resolving operational challenges, and executing production plans that meet delivery and quality objectives. The Assistant Production Manager will collaborate with production leads, engineers, quality teams, and maintenance personnel to ensure smooth operations, process adherence, and continuous improvement. This role is ideal for individuals who are technically inclined, solutions-oriented, and passionate about operational excellence.

This is not a desk-only position — candidates must be comfortable working on the floor, communicating with team members, troubleshooting issues, and driving initiatives forward in a dynamic and fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Production Oversight & Workflow Coordination:

• Monitor and adjust daily production schedules to align with customer delivery timelines and material availability.
• Coordinate with team leads and shift supervisors to assign tasks, balance workloads, and ensure efficient resource utilization.
• Ensure that production activities are carried out in accordance with established work instructions, traveler sheets, and safety standards.
• Prepare status reports or updates on job order progress, work center delays, and schedule deviations.
• Review production metrics and collaborate with the Production Manager to identify gaps in performance, propose solutions, and implement corrective actions.

2. Quality Control & Compliance Support:

• Actively support adherence to AS9100 and internal quality procedures, helping to ensure all parts meet drawing specifications and customer standards.
• Assist with the execution of quality improvement initiatives by identifying recurring defects, process inconsistencies, or training gaps.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to address internal and external nonconformances, contributing to root cause analyses and corrective action implementation.
• Reinforce a culture of quality ownership at all levels of production, from machine operators to supervisors.

3. Engineering Collaboration & Technical Guidance:

• Work alongside engineers to introduce new products, processes, and tooling into the production environment.
• Assist in the implementation of CNC programs, process routers, and machining sequences, ensuring alignment between engineering specifications and on-floor execution.
• Participate in equipment evaluations, process trials, and capability studies to drive continuous improvement and reduce variability.
• Provide technical interpretation of engineering drawings, GD&T, and process control plans to operators and leads when clarification is needed.

4. Equipment Monitoring & Downtime Reduction:

• Partner with maintenance and engineering teams to track equipment status, identify downtime patterns, and coordinate timely repairs.
• Implement visual management and preventive maintenance tracking to support uptime and equipment reliability goals.
• Support initiatives that introduce automation, fixtures, or error-proofing to improve output consistency and reduce manual rework.
• Contribute to lean projects that minimize waste, improve flow, and enhance workstation design.

5. Leadership, Coaching & Team Development:

• Serve as a key point of contact and support for operators, helping to resolve on-the-floor questions and escalate critical issues as needed.
• Coach and mentor production employees, reinforcing accountability, job ownership, and alignment with Pilgrim's values and expectations.
• Assist with onboarding and training efforts for new hires, including hands-on training, safety walkthroughs, and role-specific instruction.
• Support the Production Manager in performance review processes and ongoing professional development of team leads and operators.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment; aerospace, automotive, or high-precision machining preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred — equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.
• Strong technical knowledge of machining processes, including CNC, Swiss, or automated systems.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of ERP/MRP systems and production scheduling tools; experience with job travelers and production documentation.
• Effective leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and engineering documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Opportunities for career advancement and cross-training
• A supportive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment
• Employee recognition and wellness initiatives