Production Lead 2nd Shift

3D Systems•Littleton, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The 2nd Shift Production Lead is responsible for providing hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and daily support to Machine Operators and Post Processors while actively contributing to production operations. As a key member of the manufacturing team, this role ensures production schedules, quality standards, safety requirements, and customer commitments are consistently achieved in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Working closely with Supervisors, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and other cross-functional teams, the Production Lead coordinates daily workflow, assigns production priorities, monitors operational performance, and helps resolve manufacturing challenges to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime. This role fosters a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with established work instructions, quality standards, and manufacturing procedures. In addition to supporting daily operations, the Production Lead plays a vital role in developing team members through onboarding, training, coaching, and cross-training initiatives. Serving as a subject matter expert, this individual provides technical guidance, supports process improvements and equipment implementation, and champions Lean Manufacturing and 6S principles to improve productivity, reduce waste, and drive operational excellence.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Leadership qualities, traits, or experience in a machine operator or manufacturing role
Machine shop or manufacturing operations experience
Proven ability to lead, motivate, and support production teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, adapt to changing production demands, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to work alongside the team to achieve production goals.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and implement practical solutions.
Experience coaching, mentoring, and developing team members through training and cross-training initiatives.
Commitment to fostering a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment.
Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 6S, continuous improvement, or similar operational excellence methodologies.
Ability to ensure compliance with work instructions, quality standards, and manufacturing procedures.
Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
Ability to provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and accountability for shift operations without formal supervisory or disciplinary authority.
Ability to wear Full Face, Half Face, and/or Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (provided by 3D Systems)
Fit-testing during hiring and annually

Responsibilities

Provide hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and daily support to Machine Operators and Post Processors.
Actively contribute to production operations.
Ensure production schedules, quality standards, safety requirements, and customer commitments are consistently achieved.
Coordinate daily workflow, assign production priorities, and monitor operational performance.
Help resolve manufacturing challenges to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with established work instructions, quality standards, and manufacturing procedures.
Develop team members through onboarding, training, coaching, and cross-training initiatives.
Provide technical guidance, support process improvements and equipment implementation.
Champion Lean Manufacturing and 6S principles.
Work alongside Post Processors while overseeing team operations.
Take responsibility and become empowered to learn all areas of production, serving as a key stakeholder in safety initiatives and processing improvements.
Follow WIs/Workmanship Standards with meticulous attention to documenting all tasks performed to satisfy quality/departmental standards.
Set and achieve daily/weekly goals based on departmental leadership communications.
Help drive and build a strong team culture based upon excellent communication and technician empowerment.
Demonstrate drive and dedication in making the team extraordinary through consistent performance evaluation and feedback to Department Manager/Supervisor.
Partner with Engineering and Quality departments to meet customer standards and company goals.
Identify non-conforming products and implement proper quality protocols.
Champion 6S, Lean Manufacturing goals, and ensure PPE adherence as the number one priority on the manufacturing floor.
Operate various machinery and auxiliary equipment including blast cabinets (containing media such as glass bead, alumina, and sodium bicarbonate), micro grinders for high-detail post-processing of complex parts, industrial sanders for meeting dimensional specifications, and precision hand tools (drills, air hammers, manual chisels, files, picks).
Take initiative in completing tasks from Department Manager/Supervisor promptly while maintaining high-quality standards.
Work hand-in-hand with all manufacturing departments to ensure industry-leading performance levels.
Balance production demands with team development.
Help Supervisors ensure team training plans are up-to-date and current.
Conduct in-person training with technicians for process changes or new process implementation.
Serve as a source of knowledge and guidance while ensuring adherence to company standards.
Demonstrate enthusiasm in learning new processes/machinery while identifying opportunities for operational enhancements.
Implement and document process improvements to increase efficiency and quality, ensuring customer expectations are consistently met through attention to detail and excellence in finishing.