Position Summary The Operational Lead is responsible for driving consistent material flow, WIP management, outside processing (OSP) routing, and production cadence across all shifts at PMI's manufacturing facility. This role serves as the connective layer between shifts, ensuring a smooth handoff of priorities, WIP status, and open issues so production continues without disruption around the clock. The Operational Lead partners with Production, Planning, Quality, and Shipping/Receiving to keep parts moving on schedule and to surface bottlenecks before they impact on-time delivery. Key Responsibilities Own material flow across the facility, ensuring WIP moves through operations according to schedule and priority, with minimal queue time and stockouts at the next operation. Monitor WIP levels and location accuracy in the ERP/MES system; drive daily cycle counts and reconciliation of WIP discrepancies. Manage outside processing (OSP) routing and tracking, including shipment/receipt of parts to and from outside vendors (plating, heat treat, NDT, coatings) and follow-up on late OSP returns. Set and maintain production cadence across all shifts, running shift-to-shift handoff and daily tier meetings to align priorities, open issues, and schedule attainment. Coordinate with Production Planning/Scheduling to sequence work orders based on due dates, machine availability, and material/tooling readiness. Identify and escalate bottlenecks, capacity constraints, and schedule risks to the Operations Manager and cross-functional stakeholders in real time. Partner with Quality to expedite disposition of held or nonconforming WIP so it doesn't stall the line. Support labor and equipment allocation decisions across shifts based on real-time production needs. Maintain accurate, current status boards/dashboards (physical or digital) reflecting WIP location, OSP status, and schedule attainment for leadership visibility. Drive continuous improvement in flow, staging, and material handling to reduce lead time and touch labor. Provide coverage and decision-making authority on production floor priorities during off-shift hours (2nd/3rd shift, weekends) when other leadership is not on-site. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Operations, Industrial Engineering, or related field a plus. 3-5+ years of experience in production, scheduling, or materials/planning roles within a manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace or precision machining. Working knowledge of WIP management, outside processing/subcontract routing, and production scheduling concepts. Experience with ERP/MES systems for work order tracking, routing, and inventory transactions. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-shift coordination and communicate effectively with production, quality, planning, and shipping teams. Comfortable working across all shifts and adjusting schedule as needed to maintain production cadence. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make real-time decisions on the shop floor. Proficiency with standard office software (Excel, Word). Physical & Work Environment Primarily based on the manufacturing floor; regular walking throughout the facility to track WIP and coordinate across departments. Ability to lift up to 35 lbs and move throughout production, staging, and shipping/receiving areas. Schedule flexibility required, including rotating or covering shifts (days, evenings, nights, weekends) to maintain production cadence. Use of standard PPE required in designated production areas. Other Requirements This position may require access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR). Applicants must meet applicable eligibility requirements to access controlled technical data.

Job Overview Pay:

$30.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person