Assembly Supervisor (Afternoon Shift)

Responsibilities

LAEPPLE Automotive is a leading supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in high-quality components and systems for body components manufacturing. Our innovative technologies and efficient production processes set benchmarks in the industry. To grow our team in Detroit, we are seeking a dedicated and experienced Assembly Supervisor to lead our manufacturing team on afternoon shift. This role is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing activities of Class A automotive body panels, using robotic welding and assembly processes (adhesion, hemming, etc.) with a strong emphasis on safety, quality standards, team performance, and continuous improvement.

• Supervise and coordinate afternoon shift operations across the facility.
• Ensure production targets, quality standards, and safety requirements are consistently met or exceeded.
• Lead, coach, and develop hourly production team members.
• Monitor robotic weld cells, troubleshoot equipment and process issues, and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure adherence to Class A surface quality standards including inspection, defect tracking, metal finish, and corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, etc.).
• Analyze production data, downtime, and scrap to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Cook up with cross-functional teams to resolve production and process issues.
• Maintain compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Support launch activities, process changes, and new program introductions.
• Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and shift handoff communication.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• Education and Experience:
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience with robotic welding, assembly, and BIW operations with a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory role within the Tier I automotive manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with robotic welding systems (i.e. FANUC, KUKA).
• Familiarity with PLC troubleshooting and automated systems.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint).

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced working knowledge of Class A automotive body panel standards and surface quality requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work afternoon shift (2nd shift) and occasional overtime or weekends.
• Proficiency in production metrics, KPI tracking, and continuous improvement tools.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification would be a plus.
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, MIG welding equipment, and measuring systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Time management and ability to meet production deadlines.
• Team orientation.
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
• Prior proven reliability and exceptional attendance record.

Physical and Mental Requirements of the Position

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to automated equipment, noise, and welding operations.
• Required use of PPE.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.