Composite Production Supervisor
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Lead daily production activities for composite part manufacturing
- Assign work and balance staffing across shifts and work cells
- Enforce safety practices for chemicals, dust control, and protective equipment
- Monitor quality and stop work when defects or process issues appear
- Coordinate with engineering on process changes and work instructions
- Track output, scrap, rework, and on time delivery performance
- Support training for technicians and new hires
- Maintain clear shift handoffs and production reporting
- Support equipment readiness and basic troubleshooting with maintenance teams
- Drive continuous improvement to reduce cycle time and waste
Top Skills for Success
Team Leadership
Production Scheduling
Safety Management
Quality Control
Coaching
Root Cause Analysis
Lean Manufacturing
Shop Floor Metrics
Composite Layup Oversight
Curing Process Oversight
Vacuum Bagging Oversight
Bonding Process Oversight
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Composite Production Supervisor
Manufacturing Supervisor
Production Team Lead
Composite Technician
Transition Opportunities
Production Manager
Manufacturing Manager
Operations Manager
Quality Manager
Manufacturing Engineer
Continuous Improvement Manager
Plant Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Process DocumentationStatistical Process ControlWork Instruction WritingCapacity PlanningConflict ResolutionCorrective Action ManagementMaterial Traceability
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple metrics routine for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Practice structured problem solving using clear evidence. Partner with quality and engineering to learn documentation standards and corrective action workflows. Ask to lead a small improvement project that reduces scrap or rework.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 55,000 to 70,000
Mid LevelUSD 70,000 to 90,000
Senior LevelUSD 90,000 to 115,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, supported by aerospace, defense, wind energy, and advanced manufacturing growth. Hiring increases where companies expand production capacity and bring more manufacturing in house.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
BoeingAirbusLockheed MartinNorthrop GrummanSpirit AeroSystemsGE AerospaceRTXVestasGE VernovaSiemens Gamesa
Industry Sectors
AerospaceDefenseWind EnergyAutomotiveMarine ManufacturingSporting Goods ManufacturingIndustrial Equipment Manufacturing
Recommended Next Steps
1
Create a one page weekly dashboard for output, defects, rework, and downtime2
Standardize shift handoff notes to reduce missed tasks and surprises3
Lead a scrap reduction project focused on one high defect part family4
Refresh safety training for chemical handling and dust control5
Document the top five process issues and propose preventive actions6
Build a skills matrix and cross training plan for the team