KEY PURPOSE OF JOB
The Production Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an assigned production line within an aerospace engineering environment. This role ensures the efficient delivery of high-quality, reliable electro-mechanical products by leading and supporting the production team, maintaining output standards, and ensuring on-time delivery, every time.
KEY TASKS
General: Production Team Lead
Responsible for ensuring that the cleanroom always complies with NSS internal cleanliness standards
Responsible for ensuring that cleanroom logs are completed accurately and kept up to date
Responsible for reporting any deficiencies in materials, parts, or consumables to Quality
Responsible for maintaining stock levels of materials, parts, or consumables and reporting any shortages to Stores for replenishment
Responsible for execution and adherence to the production plan
Ensure the team actively logs and completes tasks in MOM in line with the production plan
Plan, organise, coordinate, manage, and control production teams to ensure output delivery and quality standards are met
Ensure that all work standards used are current and that all steps are followed and adhered to
Responsible for identifying issues and potential line stoppages that may impact capacity planning, and reporting thereof to the Production Shift Supervisor
Report and escalate findings and disciplinary issues to the next level
Assign duties, set goals, communicate to all levels, conduct team meetings, and ensure a smooth shift handover
Ensure good timekeeping is maintained by all staff reporting to them
Ensure personnel are working safely and following health and safety procedures and regulations
Operations: Assembly Technician
Responsible for the day-to-day cleanroom operations
Overseeing the population and hand-soldering of PCBs to the highest (space/satellite) standards
Overseeing the assembly of harnesses
Assisting with the assembly of sub-assemblies into chassis
Application of glues, thermal compounds, and conformal coatings
Operation of related assembly aids such as curing ovens, vacuum tanks, compressors, solder pots, crimping tools, etc.
Logging and controlling the storage of electronic and other components, as well as work-in-progress and completed products
Secure packing and storage of sub-assemblies and completed products
Capturing of tasks and job status in line with build operations
Reporting production progress and issues to the Production Shift Supervisor
Reviewing assembly documentation/build instructions and understanding what needs to be done and how it is to be done
Ensuring all documentation is signed off for traceability
Ensuring correct procedures/processes are followed during manufacturing
Ensuring traceability of all parts during the assembly process
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Qualification:
Matric
National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
Formal supervisory or leadership training/qualification will be advantageous
Tertiary qualification in Production Management will be advantageous
Experience:
Extensive, proven manufacturing experience, preferably in electronics assembly
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an IPC Class 3 manufacturing environment
3–5 years’ experience in a Team Leader or Supervisory role within a manufacturing environment (preferred)
Working knowledge of IPC standards and ISO 9001 requirements
Ability to interpret mechanical and electronic drawings
Experience working in cleanroom, ESD, and/or optical assembly environments
Solid technical support experience within a manufacturing setting
Knowledge of satellite subsystems and the space environment would be advantageous
COMPETENCIES & SKILLS
Strong leadership and team management
Good planning and organisational skills
High attention to detail and quality focus
Effective problem-solving and decision-making
Clear communication across all levels
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Hands-on, proactive approach with accountability
Strong interpersonal skills and team collaboration
Commitment to safety and continuous improvement