How to Be Aerospace Production Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 4, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Aerospace Production Supervisor is one of the most important roles in the aerospace industry, as they are responsible for making sure that all production processes are running smoothly and efficiently. This position requires a great deal of knowledge of the industry and its processes, as well as the ability to manage and motivate a team. The supervisor must possess strong communication and organizational skills in order to effectively direct and coordinate workflows, monitor quality control, and develop production plans. As a result, this role has a significant impact on the overall success of an aerospace manufacturing organization, as an effective supervisor ensures that all parts of the production process are running efficiently and that the end products are of the highest quality.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions in the aerospace production field.
Pursue additional education. A two-year associate degree in aviation technology or a related field can help you stand out from other job applicants.
Gain experience in the aerospace industry. You can gain experience by taking on internships or entry-level jobs in the industry.
Obtain certification. Earning a certification such as the Certified Aerospace Production Supervisor (CAPS) can help you qualify for a supervisory role.
Find a job. You can search for aerospace production supervisor positions on job boards, company websites, and other job search sites.
Apply for the position. When applying for an aerospace production supervisor position, be sure to include your educational background and any experience you have in the field.
Interview for the position. It is important to demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge of the aerospace industry during the interview process.
Complete on-the-job training. Once hired, you may be required to complete on-the-job training to become an effective aerospace production supervisor.

The key to having a reliable and qualified Aerospace Production Supervisor is to ensure that they have the appropriate knowledge, training, and experience. To do this, it is important to hire someone with a strong educational background in the field, such as a degree in Aerospace Engineering or another related field. it is essential to look for someone who has experience in the industry and can provide a strong portfolio of their work.

A good supervisor should also have strong people management skills, be able to motivate their team, and possess excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. Finally, by conducting thorough background checks and reference checks on any potential candidates, employers can ensure that they are hiring someone who is reliable and qualified to take on the role.

You may want to check Aerospace Quality Inspector, Aerospace Component Engineer, and Aerospace Test Pilot for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor daily production activities to ensure compliance with established standards, policies and procedures.
Coordinate the production process by scheduling personnel and equipment to meet product deadlines.
Ensure that all manufacturing personnel are properly trained and supervised in safe work practices.
Maintain production records and reports, and analyze data to identify areas of improvement.
Assist in the development of new processes, procedures and practices for production operations.
Monitor parts inventory and order supplies as needed.
Establish quality assurance standards and ensure that all product meets these standards.
Troubleshoot production issues and resolve problems as needed.
Develop and implement plans to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness of production operations.
Attend meetings and training sessions as necessary.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Leadership and Management: Ability to lead and manage a team of production personnel, set goals, and meet deadlines.
Technical Expertise: Understanding of the technical aspects of aerospace production, including operation of machinery, assembly processes, and quality control.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to collaborate with other departments, and ability to build productive relationships with team members.
Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and ensure accuracy.
Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify problems quickly and develop practical solutions.
Computer Proficiency: Knowledge of computer software and systems relevant to aerospace production.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures related to aerospace production.
Quality Control: Knowledge of quality control processes and procedures for ensuring product quality.
Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Adaptability: Ability to quickly adapt to changing processes, technologies, and customer needs.

Aerospace Production Supervisors must possess a variety of skills in order to be successful. The most important skill for a Production Supervisor is the ability to effectively manage personnel and resources. This includes the ability to assign tasks, prioritize deadlines, and monitor progress.

Production Supervisors must possess excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with not only their team but also with other departments. Good leadership skills are essential, as they must be able to motivate and inspire their team. Organization and problem-solving are also necessary, as they must be able to manage large projects with multiple moving parts.

Lastly, Production Supervisors must have a strong understanding of quality control processes in order to ensure that the final product is up to standards. Having these skills will enable Aerospace Production Supervisors to effectively manage their teams, remain organized, and produce the highest quality products on time.

Aerospace Technician Supervisor, Aerospace Manufacturing Technician, and Aerospace Logistics Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you describe your experience in the aerospace production field?
What strategies have you used to manage and lead production teams?
Are you familiar with current safety regulations related to aerospace production?
How do you handle difficult situations and prioritize tasks?
What experience do you have in maintaining accurate records and processes?
What experience do you have working with high-tech machinery?
How do you stay current on new technologies related to aerospace production?
How do you handle unexpected events, such as machine breakdowns or personnel issues?
How do you handle customer complaints or requests?
What strategies do you use to ensure quality control and accuracy in production?

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Office Suite. A suite of productivity software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and more (e. g. Excel for tracking production data).
Document Management System. Software used to store, manage and track documents (e. g. SharePoint).
Quality Control Software. Software used to track quality assurance of products (e. g. Six Sigma).
Project Management Software. Software designed to help manage projects, timelines and resources (e. g. Microsoft Project).
Scheduling Software. Software used to track and schedule personnel and resources (e. g. Microsoft Planner).
Inventory Management Software. Software used to track inventory levels (e. g. SAP Business One).
Production Planning Software. Software used to plan and manage production processes (e. g. FactoryLogix).
Automation Software. Software used to automate processes (e. g. robotic process automation).
Data Analysis Software. Software used to analyze data and generate reports (e. g. Tableau).
Communication Software. Software used to communicate with personnel, customers and suppliers (e. g. Slack).

Professional Organizations to Know

Aerospace Industries Association
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences
American Helicopter Society
Royal Aeronautical Society
Aviation Suppliers Association
National Aeronautic Association
International Air Transport Association
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Society of Automotive Engineers

We also have Aerospace Technician, Aerospace Maintenance Technician, and Aerospace Fabricator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Manufacturing. The process of converting raw materials into finished goods or products.
Quality Control. The process of ensuring that products meet certain standards of quality.
Lean Manufacturing. A process that emphasizes efficiency by reducing waste and optimizing production processes.
Kaizen. A Japanese term for continuous improvement, which emphasizes small, incremental changes to improve efficiency.
Six Sigma. A set of tools and techniques used to reduce variation and improve quality.
Work Instructions. A set of step-by-step instructions that detail how to complete a task.
ISO Standards. International standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization to ensure product quality and safety.
Supply Chain Management. The process of planning, organizing and controlling the flow of materials and goods from one point to another in the production process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of an Aerospace Production Supervisor?

The primary responsibility of an Aerospace Production Supervisor is to lead and manage a team of production workers to ensure the efficient, timely, and safe completion of all assigned tasks.

What qualifications are required for an Aerospace Production Supervisor?

To become an Aerospace Production Supervisor, individuals must have at least five years of experience in an aerospace production or manufacturing environment. Additionally, they should possess strong problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills, as well as knowledge of safety regulations and quality control standards.

What are some common duties of an Aerospace Production Supervisor?

Common duties of an Aerospace Production Supervisor include planning and coordinating production activities, monitoring the quality and efficiency of production processes, troubleshooting issues with machinery, training and supervising production workers, and ensuring adherence to safety regulations.

What tools or technologies do Aerospace Production Supervisors use?

Aerospace Production Supervisors typically use a variety of tools and technologies, including computer-aided design (CAD) software, project management software, automation systems, robotics, and other automated equipment.

How many people does an Aerospace Production Supervisor typically manage?

The size of the team managed by an Aerospace Production Supervisor can vary depending on the size and scope of the production facility. Generally speaking, they can manage anywhere from 10 to several hundred people.