Production Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to improve our railcar manufacturing operations. In this critical role, you will work with our experienced plant manager to improve the entire production process from raw material procurement to final assembly and quality assurance, ensuring that railcars are built to meet stringent industry standards such as AAR (Association of American Railroads) specifications and FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) regulations. The ideal candidate will drive operational efficiency, manage cross-functional teams, and optimize workflows to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality levels. This position reports to the Plant Manager and is based at our New Castle, PA manufacturing plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Planning and Scheduling: Develop and implement production schedules for railcar assembly lines, coordinating with engineering, procurement, and supply chain teams to ensure timely availability of materials like steel components, welding supplies, and specialized rail hardware. Monitor production timelines to align with customer delivery deadlines and adjust for any disruptions such as supply chain delays or equipment maintenance.
• Team Leadership and Supervision: Work with the team of production staff, including welders, assemblers, machinists, and supervisors. Provide training on railcar-specific manufacturing techniques, safety protocols, and lean manufacturing principles. Conduct performance evaluations, foster a collaborative environment, and resolve labor issues to maintain high morale and productivity.
• Process Optimization and Efficiency: Oversee daily manufacturing operations, including welding, fabrication, painting, and testing of railcar components. Identify bottlenecks in the production line and implement continuous improvement initiatives, such as Six Sigma or Kaizen methodologies, to reduce waste, minimize downtime, and increase throughput. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) like on-time delivery rates, defect rates, and labor efficiency.
• Quality Control and Compliance: Collaberate with VP of Quality to ensure all railcars meet regulatory standards for safety, durability, and performance, including non-destructive testing (NDT), hydrostatic testing, and compliance with ISO 9001 and rail industry certifications. Collaborate with quality assurance teams to conduct inspections and address any non-conformances. Maintain documentation for audits and certifications.
• Budget and Resource Management: Control production costs by monitoring expenses for labor, materials, and overhead.
• Safety and Environmental Stewardship: Enforce OSHA and FRA safety regulations in a high-risk manufacturing environment, including proper use of PPE, hazard identification, and emergency response training. Promote a zero-incident culture and ensure compliance with environmental standards for waste management, emissions, and sustainable manufacturing practices in railcar production.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise with sales, engineering, and logistics teams to incorporate design changes, customer specifications, and feedback into production processes. Participate in project meetings to align manufacturing capabilities with business goals and support new product introductions (NPIs) for innovative railcar designs.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Advanced certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or ASQ Certified Quality Manager are highly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years in manufacturing production management, with at least 3-5 years specifically in heavy manufacturing (e.g., railcars, automotive, or aerospace). Proven track record in managing large-scale assembly lines and teams in a unionized or regulated environment.
• Technical Skills: In-depth knowledge of railcar manufacturing processes, including welding (e.g., MIG/TIG), fabrication, and assembly techniques. Proficiency with CAD software for reviewing designs, ERP/MRP systems for production planning, and data analytics tools for performance tracking. Familiarity with rail industry standards (AAR, FRA, APTA) and supply chain logistics for oversized components.

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to motivate diverse teams and resolve conflicts.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach to troubleshooting production issues.
• Proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control in a capital-intensive industry.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, including occasional overtime or shift work.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability in railcar production.

Benefits:

• Full-time schedule: 4x10-hour shifts (Monday–Thursday).
• Company-paid 401(k) retirement plan with matching.
• Company-paid health and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 10 paid holidays annually and a generous vacation accrual plan.
• High potential for career growth.

Job Type: Full-time
Expected Hours: 40 hours per week
Schedule: 10-hour shifts, Monday–Thursday
Work Location: In-person

Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to grow with a fast-paced railcar manufacturer dedicated to quality and innovation. If you’re passionate about ensuring excellence and thrive in a collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply Today!

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person