Supervisor, Cathode

FuelCell Energy•Torrington, CT

About The Position

FuelCell Energy is seeking a Cathode Supervisor to lead first-shift manufacturing operations producing repeatable, high-quality components. The supervisor is accountable for safe daily execution, schedule attainment, quality, throughput, delivery, cost, standard work, process discipline, workforce development, and coordination with supporting functions and downstream operations. Cathode operations include sintering nickel powder, furnace operations, CNC milling, electrolyte mixing, and related in-process activities. The role directly supervises cathode operators and manages staffing, work assignments, labor priorities, production performance, employee development, and adherence to company policies. The supervisor works closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Design Engineering, Maintenance, Materials, and Planning to resolve production issues and improve processes. The role also supports trials, equipment commissioning, production changes, and operator readiness. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and at least three years of supervisory experience in manufacturing. Work takes place in a manufacturing facility and may include travel to vendor locations, extended shifts during critical work evolutions, and occasional lift-truck work at heights up to 30 feet.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least three years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to lead manufacturing teams, prioritize work, solve production problems, and deliver results in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Ability to read and interpret work instructions, OCPs, bills of material, production schedules, and inspection criteria.
Experience developing employees through training, cross-training, coaching, performance reviews, and corrective action.
Working knowledge of lean manufacturing tools, including 6S, standard work, visual management, Kanban, and root cause problem solving such as 5 Why.
Strong quality orientation, attention to detail, and experience responding to nonconforming material and process defects.
Strong communication, interpersonal, decision-making, and cross-functional coordination skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining accountability and timely escalation.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Ability to move effectively and timely throughout a 70,000+ square-foot, cement-floored manufacturing facility and between external office buildings.
Willingness and ability to wear required personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and safety shoes.
Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
Ability to travel to vendor locations as required.
Willingness and ability to work extended shifts, typically up to 10 hours during critical work evolutions.
Ability to occasionally work in a lift truck at heights up to 30 feet.
Successful completion of a drug screen, criminal background check, and employment and education verification.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree, technical certification, or trade-school training in manufacturing or a related field.
Supervisory experience supporting powder processing, furnace operations, CNC machining, chemical mixing, or related process-based production operations.
Experience with ERP, MES, or production-tracking systems.
Experience supporting new-product introductions, process changes, equipment implementation, or production ramp-up.
Experience interviewing manufacturing candidates, onboarding new employees, and making hiring recommendations or decisions.

Responsibilities

Lead first-shift cathode production, including nickel powder sintering, furnace operations, CNC milling, electrolyte mixing, and related in-process activities.
Drive schedule attainment and complete work orders on time to support downstream operations and customer delivery commitments.
Set daily staffing, work assignments, labor priorities, break coverage, and escalation plans based on production demand.
Manage throughput, labor utilization, scrap, rework, first-pass yield, and equipment uptime; address bottlenecks using lean methods and root cause problem solving.
Maintain production-floor discipline through 6S, standard work, visual management, tiered communication, and daily accountability for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Ensure operators follow work instructions, OCPs, inspection requirements, process controls, and production-reporting requirements.
Lead containment of nonconforming product and partner with Quality and Engineering on root cause analysis, corrective actions, defect reduction, process capability, and yield improvement.
Coordinate with Manufacturing, Quality, Design Engineering, Maintenance, Materials, and Planning on process improvements, equipment priorities, tooling changes, material constraints, and manufacturability feedback.
Support product and process trials, equipment commissioning, work-instruction updates, layout improvements, and operator readiness for production changes.
Develop team capability through hands-on training, cross-training, coaching, skills progression, and verification of operator proficiency.
Interview candidates and make hiring recommendations or decisions with management and Human Resources; onboard employees and reinforce performance expectations.
Manage employee performance, attendance follow-up, timekeeping approval, performance reviews, coaching, corrective action, and consistent enforcement of company policies and workplace standards.
Enforce PPE, safe equipment operation, material-handling requirements, and site EHS procedures; ensure timely reporting and follow-up of incidents, near misses, and corrective actions.
Provide clear shift handoffs and coordinate priorities with off-shift supervision to maintain continuity of production, equipment status, quality containment, and material flow.
Track and communicate schedule attainment, labor efficiency, scrap, rework, first-pass yield, attendance, equipment uptime, staffing concerns, material constraints, and escalation items.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.