Manufacturing Supervisor

RF Production Manufacturing Supervisor – Hands-On Floor Leadership (Palo Alto, CA) – $95K to $120K

Lead daily production on the manufacturing floor, ensuring products are built safely, on time, and to quality standards. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll support technicians, solve real-time issues, and drive workflow improvements to keep production moving.

What makes this role different:

• Ideal for candidates with experience leading technicians in RF, microwave, high-voltage, vacuum electronics, aerospace, defense, or other complex electromechanical manufacturing environments.

• Direct ownership of day-to-day production execution

• Lead and develop a team of technicians and assemblers

• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain

• Drive process improvements and schedule adherence in a fast-paced environment

We're looking for:

• Experience supporting or leading production/test activities involving RF, microwave, high-voltage, vacuum electronic, or other high-frequency electronic systems is strongly preferred
• Advanced lead technicians or test leads who are ready to transition into a broader production leadership role

• 5+ years in manufacturing/assembly, with 2+ years leading or supervising teams

• Strong understanding of mechanical/electrical assembly and production workflows

• Ability to troubleshoot on the floor and keep production running

• Experience with lean manufacturing or process improvement

• A leader who is hands-on, decisive, and team-oriented

Important to know:

• This is an exempt, salaried leadership role focused on delivering results and supporting team success. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring deadlines are met and teams are effectively supported; as a result, schedules may extend beyond standard business hours, particularly during high-priority periods or key initiatives. This ensures colleagues receive guidance and the business maintains momentum.

Location: Palo Alto, CA on-site

Pay: $95K to $120K

At Microwave Power Products (MPP), we manufacture highly specialized RF and microwave power systems used in defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. The Production Manufacturing Supervisor is responsible for the daily execution of manufacturing and assembly activities within Helix or Power Grid production. This role ensures production goals are met safely, efficiently, and to quality standards. The Production Supervisor manages a team of technicians and assemblers (including lead technicians), supports problem-solving on the floor, and drives workflow improvements to maintain schedule adherence and on-time delivery.

The Production Manufacturing Supervisor reports to the Operations Manager and collaborates closely with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure products are built to specification, timelines are met, and continuous improvement initiatives are implemented.

JOB DUTIES

• Supervise and coordinate daily production floor activities to meet safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.
• Assign work, monitor progress, and provide direction to technicians, assemblers, and lead technicians.
• Provide day-to-day coaching, mentorship, and direction to test technicians, supporting skill development and improving overall team performance and production readiness.
• Support troubleshooting of equipment, process, or material issues to minimize downtime and maintain production flow.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to optimize assembly methods, tooling, and line configurations.
• Ensure accurate execution of production schedules and maintain visibility to work-in-progress.
• Enforce quality standards, conduct in-process checks, and ensure compliance with established procedures.
• Train, mentor, and develop technicians and lead technicians in assembly techniques, safety practices, and problem-solving skills.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and support lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Track and report daily production performance, including output, labor utilization, and first-pass yield.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment, ensuring compliance with EHS requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in a technical field or equivalent technical training and experience; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing or assembly, with at least 2 years in a leadership, lead, or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical/electrical assembly practices, tooling, and production processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and resolve production challenges.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and process improvement techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions.
• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to operate a hand crane to lift items weighing more than 30 lbs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite and generally tech-savvy. Willingness and ability to further develop Excel and other technical skills in the future.
• Experience working alongside RF Test Technicians, production test operations, troubleshooting activities, or complex electronic system integration is highly valued.