Production Supervisor at Kongsberg Protech Systems USA Corporation – Johnstown, Pennsylvania

KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Inc., located in Johnstown, PA, is seeking a dynamic and driven Production Supervisor to lead our manufacturing operations. As a key member of our production team, you’ll oversee LRU's, subassemblies and advanced weapon stations—ensuring every product meets our rigorous standards for quality, budget, productivity, and delivery. This is more than a supervisory role; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of defense technology through hands-on leadership, strategic planning, and team development. If you're ready to make an impact in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment, we want to hear from you.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage all functions of production resources to ensure standards are met.
• Participate in budget development and monitor expenses to budget, schedule and quality goals set by Kongsberg Protech Systems USA (KPS USA) Management.
• Review and maintain the production schedule. Review production and operating reports and resolve operational, manufacturing and maintenance problems to ensure minimum costs and prevent operational delays.
• Supervise, develop, train and enhance the skill set of Lead employees so that they can effectively transfer these skills and training to the production employees under their direction.
• Coordinate & manage operational schedules, manufacturing activities, materials and equipment to ensure production and quality of products meet specifications.
• Manage fluctuations of backlog and surges.
• Identify gaps in knowledge among employees and cross-train, if necessary, in order to bring the facility in line with evolving policies and product changes.
• Continuously supervise, monitor and analyze efficiency, quality, safety, performance and attendance of production employees.
• Communicate and work cooperatively with other departments and management to resolve issues.
• Ensure that production has the proper tools, systems, supplies and equipment necessary to meet schedules.

TITLES OF DIRECT REPORTS:

• Department Lead, Electro-mechanical Assemblers.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate's degree in related field or equivalent job-related experience is required.

NUMBER OF YEARS AND TYPE OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 5 years manufacturing production, with at least 2 years of managerial or team lead experience.
• Lean Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and teambuilding skills necessary.
• A self- starter with good initiative and creativity skills desired.

MINIMUM LEARNING TIME FOR THIS POSITION PROVIDED EMPLOYEE HAS NECESSARY EXPERIENCE:

• 6-12 Months.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:

• Concentration/attentiveness, high pressure for results, independent judgment and discretion, manage multiple projects/tasks, respond to angry/upset individuals, read and comprehend instructions/work orders.
• Bend/reach, stand, hear, lift/move up to 50 pounds, operate a vehicle, see, sit, smell, use hands to type or handle objects, walk.
• Ability to work with fine detail and distinguish color.
• Attend required trainings, as needed.
• Ability to travel if required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

• Limited exposure to chemicals; work with machinery with moving parts; safety glasses (optional); composite toe and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) footwear; Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Smocks.

OTHER POSITION CONSIDERATIONS:

• Follow established confidentiality policy, safety standards, or applicable regulations.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and organizational best practices.
• Knowledge of human resource laws and regulations as they relate to the management of staff. Leadership and supervisory skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of internet/e-mail, presentation software, spreadsheet software, word processing software.

U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENT: “To comply with U.S. national security requirements mandated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. will consider only applicants who are U.S. Persons for this position.” OR “Applicant must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governing export control.” “A U.S. Person is a United States Citizen or National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Lawful Temporary Resident, Refugee or Asylee.”

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations.

In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently includes company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance, sick time and paid time off (PTO).

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 5 years

Training:

• 6-12 months (+)

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Holidays off
• Monday to Friday
• 980 Schedule

Work setting:

• In-person
• Manufacturing facility

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Johnstown, PA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work.