Mediabistro logo
job logo

Production Manager Mid Level

Integrated Aqua Systems, Inc. · Vista, CA, USA ·

Pay:
80.000 - 100.000
Job type:
Full Time

Benefits

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Company Overview
Integrated Aqua Systems (IAS) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of aquatic life‑support equipment and systems serving the aquaculture, research, aquarium, and aquatic science industries. We deliver innovative, high‑quality technical solutions backed by decades of experience in water treatment, filtration, and aquatic system engineering.

As IAS continues to grow, we are seeking a skilled and professional Production Manager with strong aquaculture knowledge and technical proficiency in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. This individual will be responsible for managing complex system builds while leading a production team and providing informed, hands‑on technical guidance.

We operate in a low‑volume, high‑mix manufacturing environment where adaptability, craftsmanship, and problem‑solving are critical to success. Our culture emphasizes accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement, with a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Position Overview
Integrated Aqua Systems is seeking a hands‑on Production Manager to lead our fabrication and assembly operations. This role is responsible for managing day‑to‑day shop operations, leading a team of technicians and assemblers, and driving production planning, execution, and continuous improvement. This is a player‑coach leadership role requiring strong presence on the production floor, technical understanding, and the ability to balance execution with long‑term operational development. This role requires a blend of aquaculture expertise, project management capabilities, and technical knowledge of water filtration, pumping, and disinfection technologies.

Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Management

Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of 3–8 technicians

Supervise material handling and inventory control

Review material purchasing and quality control

Establish daily priorities and ensure team alignment

Drive accountability, performance standards, and team engagement

Conduct regular performance check‑ins and coaching

Production Planning & Execution

Plan, schedule, and manage daily production workloads

Coordinate priorities based on project timelines and customer demand

Ensure efficient flow of materials, tools, and documentation

Maintain on‑time delivery and production quality standards

Monitor and report on key production metrics (throughput, efficiency, on‑time delivery)

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and build documentation

Standardize assembly processes and reduce variability

Improve shop layout, workflow, and throughput

Drive continuous improvement in efficiency, quality, and repeatability

Technical Leadership & Problem Solving

Support and guide the team in troubleshooting mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems

Collaborate with engineering to resolve manufacturability challenges

Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventative actions

Operational Ownership

Own production output, readiness, and overall team performance

Ensure effective use of labor in both high‑and low‑demand periods

Maintain organization, cleanliness, and safety standards

Qualifications & Requirements
Required

5+ years of experience in manufacturing, fabrication, or mechanical assembly

3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role

Strong background in mechanical assembly, PVC/plumbing systems, and fabrication

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, BOMs, and P&IDs

Experience with production planning, scheduling, and workflow optimization

Preferred

Experience in aquaculture, water treatment, or related industries

Familiarity with ERP systems (Odoo preferred)

Experience implementing SOPs and process improvements

Background in low‑volume, high‑mix production environments

Understanding of mechanical drawings, CAD and Visio

Key Traits for Success

Strong leadership presence and accountability mindset

Proactive, not reactive—anticipates and solves problems

High ownership mentality with a company‑first approach

Strong communication across departments

Hands‑on problem solver with attention to detail

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Shop/warehouse work environment with occasional site visits and field service travel

Ability to lift 40–50 lbs

Comfortable working on feet for extended periods

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience and capability

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid holidays and PTO

Equal Employment Opportunity
Integrated Aqua Systems is committed to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate on any legally recognized basis.

#J-18808-Ljbffr