Job Description
Summary: The Production Team Captain keeps an assigned assembly line, work cell, or production area running safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Working under the direction of the Production Team Lead, the Captain directs and assists operators during the shift, helps train employees on specific jobs, tracks line-level metrics, and identifies and escalates quality, safety, and equipment issues. This hands-on, hourly role is a development step toward the Production Team Lead position.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Line Operations
- Keeps the assigned assembly line, work cell, or production area running safely, efficiently, and on schedule during the shift.
- Monitors line progress against the daily schedule and will alert the Production Team Lead when the line is at risk of falling behind.
- Helps balance work within the line by moving operators between stations as approved by the Production Team Lead.
Team Support
- Directs and assists the operators on the line during the shift, including working at stations as needed.
- Assigns line-level tasks within the plan and priorities set by the Production Team Lead.
- Monitors operator clock-in/out to jobs and flags missed or incorrect punches to the Production Team Lead for correction.
- Brings attendance, performance, or conduct concerns to the Production Team Lead; does not handle discipline, performance reviews, or staffing decisions.
Quality
- Checks work at the line against drawings, work orders, and work instructions.
- Identifies defects and nonconforming parts, stops or holds suspect products as directed, and escalates issues to the Production Team Lead and Quality department.
- Reinforces quality standards with operators and supports corrective actions led by the Production Team Lead and Quality team.
- Follows ISO / AS9100 quality system requirements and documentation practices at the line.
Safety & Compliance
- Follows and enforces safety procedures, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout at the line.
- Addresses immediate hazards on the spot (stops unsafe work, secures the area) and reports them to the Production Team Lead.
- Leads by example in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work area.
Troubleshooting & Equipment
- Handles routine line problems such as minor jams, material staging, and simple setup adjustments.
- Escalates larger, recurring, or cross-functional issues to the Production Team Lead (Tier 1).
- Supports proper machine setup, usage, and operator-level maintenance on the line.
- Reports equipment malfunctions through the maintenance request SOP and informs the Production Team Lead of downtime.
Training
- Helps train operators on specific jobs, stations, and processes on the assigned line.
- Demonstrates correct work methods, safety practices, and quality checks to new and cross-training employees.
- Informs the Production Team Lead when an operator is ready for sign-off on the training matrix.
Line Metrics & Reporting
- Tracks line-level metrics such as output, downtime, scrap, and takt time.
- Records production counts and line information accurately and completes shift handoff notes for the line.
- Communicates line issues, material shortages, and delays to the Production Team Lead promptly.
Continuous Improvement
- Identifies waste, bottlenecks, and improvement ideas at the line level and suggests them to the Production Team Lead.
- Participates in improvement activities, 5S, and GEMBA walks led by the Production Team Lead.
- Assists in reducing scrap and rework on the assigned line.
Leadership & Culture
- Promotes teamwork, accountability, and professionalism on the line.
- Recognizes good work and shares employee contributions with the Production Team Lead.
- Acts as a role model for company values and work ethics.
Authority
- Makes day-to-day line decisions within established procedures and the direction of the Production Team Lead.
- Staffing, priorities, process changes, discipline, and time-off approvals remain with the Production Team Lead or management.
Required Skills:
- Working knowledge of production processes, equipment, and shop floor operations for the assigned line.
- Ability to read and interpret drawings, work orders, and work instructions.
- Basic understanding of ISO / AS9100 quality requirements, or willingness to learn.
- Ability to guide, support, and train coworkers in a team setting.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic computer skills; ability to learn ERP/production tracking (e.g., Mietrak) and ADP time and attendance.
- Problem-solving skills and a willingness to suggest improvements.
Education/Experience:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required; technical or manufacturing certifications preferred.
- Prior experience in a production or manufacturing environment; experience as a trainer, lead operator, or informal team leader preferred.
- Experience working within an ISO / AS9100 quality system preferred.
Career Path:
- This role is designed as a step towards the Production Team Lead position.
- Captains who show strong safety, quality, and line results may be given added responsibilities, such as department-level KPIs, training matrix updates, and coordination across lines, to prepare for promotion.
Pre-Employment Requirements: Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check and drug screen. Because this position may involve access to export-controlled technology or information, candidates may be required to meet U.S. person requirements under ITAR and EAR, or be eligible for any required export authorization. Equal Employment Opportunity Americase is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Reasonable Accommodations: Americase provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources. E-Verify: Americase participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. For more information, visit www.e-verify.gov. This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Americase may modify duties and requirements at any time based on business needs.