Overview
Lead third-shift tape casting manufacturing operations responsible for producing repeatable, high-quality parts that support FuelCell Energy production. Ensure safety, quality, throughput, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved while maintaining standard work, process discipline, and team accountability to support a successful production ramp.
The Tape Casting Supervisor is a key front-line leadership role responsible for translating production goals into safe, efficient, and repeatable execution on the shop floor. This position has a direct impact on delivery performance, product quality, workforce development, and continuous improvement within a critical manufacturing value stream at FuelCell Energy.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Production
Own daily production execution for tape casting operations, including slurry prep, tape casting, pinch rolling, laser sizing, final inspection, and related in-process activities as applicable to the department
Drive schedule attainment and on-time completion of work orders to support downstream operations and customer delivery commitments
Manage throughput, labor utilization, scrap, rework, and equipment uptime; identify and remove bottlenecks using lean manufacturing tools and root cause problem solving
Maintain production floor discipline through 6S, standard work, visual management, clear communication, and daily accountability for safety, quality, and output
People Leadership
Directly supervise tape casting operators and coordinate daily staffing, work assignments, and labor priorities to meet production demand
Interview candidates, assess fit for the role and team, and make recommendations or decisions on new hires in partnership with management and human resources to support staffing needs.
Develop team capability through hands-on training, cross-training, coaching, skills progression, and reinforcement of work instructions and process expectations
Lead employee performance management, coaching, attendance follow-up, corrective action, and consistent enforcement of company policies, safety rules, and workplace standards
Quality & Process Control
Ensure operators follow work instructions, OCP's, inspection requirements, and process controls to produce tape casting parts that meet process, dimensional, and workmanship standards
Own response to nonconforming product on the floor, coordinate containment activities, and support root cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce repeat issues
Monitor process performance, scrap trends, process defects, and workmanship issues, partnering with quality and engineering to improve consistency, yield, and process capability
Engineering Collaboration
Partner with manufacturing, quality, and design engineering on process improvements, equipment needs, tooling changes, and manufacturability feedback
Support product and process trials on the floor, including validation of new methods, updated work instructions, and operator readiness for production changes
Provide operational input for equipment commissioning, maintenance priorities, and layout improvements that enhance safety, flow, and productivity
EHS & Compliance
Maintain a safe work environment by enforcing PPE requirements, safe equipment operation, material handling rules, and compliance with site EHS procedures
Ensure timely reporting and follow-up of safety incidents, near misses, and corrective actions while reinforcing a zero-incident culture
Metrics & Reporting
Track and report key performance indicators including schedule attainment, labor efficiency, scrap, rework, first-pass yield, attendance, and equipment uptime
Communicate daily performance results, staffing concerns, material constraints, and escalation items to leadership and cross-functional partners
Qualifications
Required
High school diploma or GED required; associate degree, technical certification, or trade school training in manufacturing or a related field is a plus
Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably supporting slurry preparation, coating or casting operations, pinch rolling, laser processing, inspection, or related production operations
Ability to read and interpret work instructions, OCP's, bills of material, and inspection criteria
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, prioritize work, solve production problems, and drive results in safety, quality, delivery, and cost
Working knowledge of lean manufacturing tools such as 6S, standard work, visual management, and root cause problem solving; basic proficiency in Microsoft Office required
Preferred
Experience in a manufacturing environment supporting assembly, coating, converting, or process-based production operations
Experience with ERP or production tracking systems and the use of production metrics to manage daily performance
Experience supporting new product introductions, process changes, or equipment implementation in a production setting
Prior experience leading teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with strong expectations for accountability, training, and continuous improvement
Experience interviewing manufacturing candidates, making hiring decisions, training new employees, and coaching team members to performance expectations