Production Lead - Whip Line Assembly in Estherville, Iowa at Engineered Products Co

Build quality. Support your team. Keep production moving!

We’re looking for a Production Lead who enjoys working alongside the team while helping others succeed.

This is a hands-on, working lead position supporting the daily activities of our Whip Line production area. You’ll help coordinate production flow, train and guide employees, troubleshoot day-to-day issues, and ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and efficiently. You’ll also participate directly in production, including the assembly of fixture whips, AC whips, and other production line assemblies.

If you have manufacturing experience, enjoy coaching others, and take pride in creating a safe, productive workplace, we’d like to hear from you.

Reports to: Production Supervisor / Plant Manager

Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt - Regular Full-Time

Location: Estherville, Iowa

Shift: AM -6:00 AM start time; Overtime as required.

Pay: $19.00 per hour

• Work alongside production employees while helping coordinate daily activities and priorities.
• Serve as a key point of contact for assemblers and help keep information flowing between employees, supervisors, inventory, and other teams.
• Train and guide new and existing employees on safety procedures, standard work, equipment operation, and job responsibilities.
• Help communicate daily production goals and support team members in completing assigned work orders.
• Assist employees in resolving day-to-day production issues and escalate concerns when appropriate.
• Monitor production activity to help ensure productivity, quality, and schedule expectations are met.
• Partner with the supervisor to keep production schedules on track.
• Support job expediting and coordinate with the inventory team when materials are needed.
• Help create or update process documentation and work instructions.
• Promote a respectful, professional, and collaborative work environment.

• Assemble and package products according to work orders, standard procedures, and work instructions.
• Assemble connectors onto conduit.
• Insert wires into conduit according to specified color codes.
• Apply required UL labels.
• Tie off wire leads using designated equipment and machines.
• Locate materials needed for each job and request unavailable materials.
• Load and unload wire racks and conduit bundles.
• Operate Wire Feeders, Pak Tyers, and other production equipment.
• Use computers, printers, and production systems to complete daily tasks and manage work orders.
• Assist other production areas and work cells when needed to meet customer and production requirements.

• Follow and reinforce safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Support continuous improvement and 6S activities.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe production areas.
• Identify concerns and opportunities for improvement and work with the supervisor and team to address them.

• Approximately 3 years of production or manufacturing experience.
• General assembly experience, including at least 3–6 months in a similar environment.
• Strong reliability, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with employees at different levels of experience.
• Ability to teach, coach, and demonstrate safe work practices and production processes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Basic to intermediate computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word, or the ability to develop these skills through training.
• Ability to learn the company’s ERP and production systems.

• Approximately 2 years of lead, training, or similar production-floor leadership experience.
• Experience in a warehouse, inventory planning, production planning, order expediting, or similar environment.
• Knowledge of material handling, product identification, traceability, manufacturing processes, quality standards, and tooling.
• Lean Manufacturing experience or an interest in completing Lean training or certification, such as Green Belt.

This is an active, hands-on production role. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Standing at a workstation for approximately 6–8 hours during the workday.
• Regularly lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying items weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Loading and unloading wire racks and conduit bundles weighing approximately 20–35 lbs.
• Using both hands to perform assembly work.
• Walking throughout the warehouse and production areas.
• Stooping, bending, and kneeling throughout the day.
• Reading work orders, labels, and other production information.
• Distinguishing information necessary to accurately assemble and identify products and materials.
• Using team lifts or lift-assist equipment when required for heavier items.

This position works primarily in a warehouse and production environment where temperatures may fluctuate. Some duties may occasionally be performed outside, although exposure to severe weather or extreme conditions is expected to be minimal.

Safety is a priority for everyone. Team members are expected to follow established safety procedures, use required PPE, promptly report safety concerns, and contribute to a clean and hazard-free workplace.

Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.

Our Production Leads help connect people, production, quality, and safety. You’ll have the opportunity to make a visible impact every day by helping employees develop their skills, keeping work moving, identifying problems early, and ensuring our customers receive products built to our quality standards.

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.