Assembly Production Lead

Sonaca North America is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. As a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, we are dedicated to making air and space travel safe and sustainable. With 10 locations across North America, our engineering expertise and operational excellence set us apart. Since 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering reliable, safe, and efficient products and services.

About the role

The Assembly Lead for the 2nd shift performs functions of assembling parts—including drilling, riveting, and bonding—while providing on‑the‑job training, reinforcing plant organization and cleanliness, assisting the supervisor with employee development, leading team and corrective‑action meetings, and serving as a safety monitor. The Lead enforces the behavioral‑based safety program and supports Sonaca’s Quality Policy, mission, and continuous‑improvement initiatives.

Pay

$24 – $27 per hour, plus a $1.00 shift differential.

Responsibilities

• Assemble aircraft parts and structures with or without jigs and fixtures using drilling, filing, reaming, countersinking, dimpling, fastening, aligning, shimming, riveting, and bonding.
• Learn, set up, and operate equipment; read basic blueprints and specifications; identify part imperfections.
• Read and follow work orders, written and verbal instructions, and use gauges, scales, calipers, and other measuring tools to ensure part integrity.
• Act as an interface with work‑center/production personnel, Customer Service, and other departments.
• Assign work to team members, ensure productive workflow, and enforce safety policies.
• Provide on‑the‑job training, adapting teaching methods to individual learning styles and skill levels.
• Assist the supervisor in assessing skill levels, productivity, and overall performance of employees.
• Monitor production performance, identify improvement areas, and take corrective action.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment; develop and implement production schedules and workflows.
• Troubleshoot production issues and resolve them promptly.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and accountable work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 1+ year of leadership experience.
• 2+ years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of production processes and equipment.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Excellent organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to bend, twist, and stretch arms above the head; walk or stand for long periods.
• Capability to push and pull heavy racks.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Exposure to noise levels ranging from quiet to extremely loud.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment (eye, ear, foot protection) on the manufacturing floor.
• Occasional lifting or moving of 10–50 lb objects.