Production and Programs Manager in Nunica, Michigan at Waseyabek Development Company
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Job Description
Job Description: Production and Programs Manager
Company Overview
Baker Engineering, LLC’s (Baker) core business centers around the design and development of high-tech, high-performance technologies for a variety of applications, from custom military and commercial engines to engine components, to the production of parts and mechanical assemblies for other industries. Baker is a division of Waséyabek Development Company, LLC that is wholly owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, a Federally recognized Indian Tribe.
Position Summary
The Production and Programs Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for directing engineering development, volume production, low-rate assembly, and precision machine shop activities. This position blends technical manufacturing oversight with strategic operational management. The successful candidate will guide multidisciplinary teams, oversee department budgets, manage monthly production schedules, and optimize facility operations. By driving continuous improvement, technical roadmaps, and manufacturing excellence, this role ensures the successful execution of complex aerospace, defense, and commercial programs while supporting long-term organizational growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational & Technical Leadership
- Lead day-to-day activities supporting development engineering, contract assembly, precision prototyping, and volume production programs.
- Oversee and manage a team of professional machinists, fabricators, operators, manufacturing engineers, technicians, and operational staff.
- Establish operational priorities and align resources to plan monthly, weekly, and daily production schedules.
- Drive operational efficiency, productivity, and quality across all work cells, CNC machine shops, and fabrication areas.
- Develop and implement engineering policies, manufacturing processes, and quality best practices that support organizational objectives.
Program Execution & Manufacturing Oversight
- Collaborate across Sales, Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Supply Chain, Shipping & Receiving, and Finance functions.
- Direct workflows to satisfy production requirements including process reviews of new jobs, job acceptance, and job order creation.
- Deliver results for KPIs in Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety, Morale, Revenue, and Profit.
- Monitor operational performance, identify technical or schedule risks, and implement corrective actions.
- Support proposal development, technical program planning, and resource forecasting for new business opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with customer requirements, contractual obligations, and ISO-9001 / AS-9100 regulatory standards.
Financial, Resource & Supply Chain Management
- Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, labor utilization, and operational expenditures.
- Manage sourcing, procurement, and supply-chain relationships with raw material and outside process vendors.
- Oversee workforce planning, staffing requirements, and resource allocation across multiple projects and programs.
- Analyze operational metrics and financial performance to support data-driven strategic decision-making.
- Order and maintain tooling while identifying opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality or performance.
People Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop highly skilled machinists (journeymen / tool makers), fabricators, and assemblers.
- Accomplish staff results by communicating job expectations, initiating, coordinating, and enforcing systems, policies, and procedures.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct performance management activities including goal setting, coaching, succession planning, and professional development.
- Maintain employee morale by creating a safe, efficient, and inclusive working environment for a diverse colleague base.
Facility & Infrastructure Management
- Oversee facility operations, routine maintenance, equipment utilization, and infrastructure planning.
- Specify, implement, and maintain a Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) system.
- Ensure compliance with environmental, health, safety, security, and quality standards.
- Keep production equipment operational by coordinating manufacturer-recommended maintenance and repair services.
- Support capital investment planning to expand technical capabilities, tooling options, and production capacity.
Continuous Improvement & Technology Roadmaps
- Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and throughput.
- Develop technical and process roadmaps to maintain a competitive advantage by expanding, enhancing, and adding the latest manufacturing technologies.
- Develop, maintain, and produce weekly production capacity, efficiency, and quality KPI reports.
- Apply lean best practices to reduce costs using knowledge of 5-axis milling, live tool turning, welding, and assembly methods.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing/assembly operations, aerospace, defense, or related technical environments.
- 5+ years of direct experience in a CNC machine and fabrication manufacturing environment.
- 3+ years of supervisory experience leading highly skilled machinists and fabricators.
- Demonstrated experience managing personnel, departmental budgets, production schedules, facilities, and operational performance.
- Strong understanding of prototype manufacturing, advanced assembly, system integration, and test activities for high-tolerance systems.
- Proven ability to manage raw material procurement, outside vendor relationships, and supply chain logistics.
- Experience working within ISO-9001 and AS-9100 certified regulatory environments.
- Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to quickly adapt focus and solve problems within evolving, fast-paced work demands.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering and/or Manufacturing Technology.
- Hands-on experience in CNC machining, turning, milling (including complex set-ups), fabrication, and welding.
- Working knowledge of CNC programming, 5-axis milling, and live tool turning.
- Experience with government contracting and defense industry standards.
Core Competencies
- Program & Project Execution
- CNC Machining & Fabrication Oversight
- Budget & Financial Management
- Workforce & Talent Development
- Operational Excellence & Lean Manufacturing
- Supply Chain & Vendor Management
- Continuous Improvement (Six Sigma)
- Customer Engagement & Quality Compliance
- Cross-Functional Leadership
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
Work Environment
- Climate-controlled shop floor and professional office setting.
- This position requires travel up to 5% of the time.
Position Type:
- Full-time, exempt position. Relocation expenses are not provided.
Physical Qualifications
- Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours per day.
- Ability to walk the shop floor frequently.
- Lifting 5-20 lbs frequently.
- Ability to focus on computer screens for extended periods.
- Manual dexterity and ability to see clearly.
- Bending occasionally.
Success in This Role
Success in this position is measured by the ability to build high-performing teams, execute assembly of complex and tight tolerance systems, maintain operational excellence, optimize resources, and contribute to the organization's growth and long-term strategic objectives within the aerospace and defense industry.
Disclaimer
This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.
Hiring Preferences & Equal Opportunity
Native American & Veteran Hiring Preferences will be applied in accordance with Waséyabek Development Company policy. We are committed to making merit-based hiring decisions. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, height or weight, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.