Assembly Supervisor (Afternoon Shift)

About us

LAEPPLE Automotive is a leading supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in high-quality components and systems for body components manufacturing. Our innovative technologies and efficient production processes set benchmarks in the industry. To grow our team in Detroit, we are seeking a dedicated and experienced Assembly Supervisor to lead our manufacturing team on afternoon shift. This role is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing activities of Class A automotive body panels, using robotic welding and assembly processes (adhesion, hemming, etc.) with a strong emphasis on safety, quality standards, team performance, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with robotic welding systems, automated assembly lines, and high-precision surface-quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate afternoon shift operations across the facility.
• Ensure production targets, quality standards, and safety requirements are consistently met or exceeded.
• Lead, coach, and develop hourly production team members.
• Monitor robotic weld cells, troubleshoot equipment and process issues, and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure adherence to Class A surface quality standards including inspection, defect tracking, metal finish, and corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, etc.).
• Analyze production data, downtime, and scrap to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve production and process issues.
• Maintain compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Support launch activities, process changes, and new program introductions.
• Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and shift handoff communication.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience with robotic welding, assembly, and BIW operations with a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory role within the Tier I automotive manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with robotic welding systems (i.e. FANUC, KUKA).
• Familiarity with PLC troubleshooting and automated systems.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced working knowledge of Class A automotive body panel standards and surface quality requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work afternoon shift (2 nd shift) and occasional overtime or weekends.
• Proficiency in production metrics, KPI tracking, and continuous improvement tools.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification would be a plus.
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, MIG welding equipment, and measuring systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Time management and ability to meet production deadlines.
• Team orientation.
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Proven reliability and exceptional attendance record.

Physical and Mental Requirements of the Position:

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to automated equipment, noise, and welding operations.
• Required use of PPE.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, use hands to handle, manipulate, or feel objects, utilize tools for extended periods, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk and hear.
• Employee must be able to lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
• The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted