Sheet Metal Supervisor (Third Shift)

Overview

Lead third-shift sheet metal manufacturing operations focused on reformer cell pack assembly. Ensure safety, quality, throughput, and delivery objectives are achieved while maintaining standard work, process discipline, and team accountability to support consistent production execution.

The Sheet Metal Supervisor is a key front-line leadership role responsible for translating production goals into safe, efficient, and repeatable execution on third shifts. This position has a direct impact on delivery performance, product quality, workforce development, and continuous improvement within the reformer cell pack assembly process at FuelCell Energy.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production

• Own daily production execution for third-shift sheet metal operations supporting reformer cell pack assembly, including CMM operations, catalyst loading, press operations, and related in-process activities required for the build

• Drive schedule attainment and on-time completion of work orders to support downstream operations and customer delivery commitments

• Manage throughput, labor utilization, scrap, rework, and equipment uptime within CMM operations, catalyst loading, and press operations; identify and remove bottlenecks using lean manufacturing tools and root cause problem solving

• Maintain production floor discipline through 6S, standard work, visual management, shift handoff communication, and daily accountability for safety, quality, and output

People Leadership

• Directly supervise third-shift sheet metal operators and coordinate daily staffing, work assignments, and labor priorities to support reformer cell pack assembly output

• Interview candidates, assess fit for the role and team, and make recommendations or decisions on new hires in partnership with management and human resources to support staffing needs during the production ramp

• Develop team capability through hands-on training, cross-training, coaching, skills progression, and reinforcement of work instructions and process expectations

• Lead employee performance management, coaching, attendance follow-up, corrective action, and consistent enforcement of company policies, safety rules, and workplace standards

Quality & Process Control

• Ensure operators follow work instructions, OCP's, inspection requirements, and process controls to produce reformer cell pack components and assemblies that meet dimensional and workmanship standards

• Own response to nonconforming product on the floor, coordinate containment activities, and support root cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce repeat issues

• Monitor process performance, scrap trends, and workmanship issues, partnering with quality and engineering to improve consistency, yield, and process capability

Engineering Collaboration

• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and design engineering on process improvements, equipment needs, tooling changes, and manufacturability feedback

• Support product and process trials on the floor, including validation of new methods, updated work instructions, and operator readiness for production changes

• Provide operational input for equipment commissioning, maintenance priorities, and layout improvements that enhance safety, flow, and productivity

EHS & Compliance

• Maintain a safe work environment by enforcing PPE requirements, safe equipment operation, material handling rules, and compliance with site EHS procedures

• Ensure timely reporting and follow-up of safety incidents, near misses, and corrective actions while reinforcing a zero-incident culture

Metrics & Reporting

• Track and report key performance indicators including schedule attainment, labor efficiency, scrap, rework, first-pass yield, attendance, and equipment uptime

• Communicate daily performance results, staffing concerns, material constraints, and escalation items to leadership and cross-functional partners

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree, technical certification, or trade school training in manufacturing or a related field is a plus

• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably supporting sheet metal cutting, mechanical assembly, or related production operations

• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, OCP's, bills of material, and inspection criteria

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, prioritize work, solve production problems, and drive results in safety, quality, delivery, and cost

• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing tools such as 6S, standard work, visual management, and root cause problem solving; basic proficiency in Microsoft Office required

Preferred

• Experience in a sheet metal manufacturing environment supporting cutting operations, assembly equipment, hand tools, measurement, inspection, and related production processes

• Experience with ERP or production tracking systems and the use of production metrics to manage daily performance

• Experience supporting new product introductions, process changes, or equipment implementation in a production setting

• Prior experience leading teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with strong expectations for accountability, training, and continuous improvement

• Experience interviewing manufacturing candidates, making hiring decisions, training new employees, and coaching team members to performance expectations

Nearest Major Market: Torrington