Workforce Development Associate Jobs in New Britain, CT

Overview

Lead third shift cathode manufacturing operations responsible for producing repeatable, high-quality components that support FuelCell Energy production. Ensure safety, quality, throughput, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved while maintaining standard work, process discipline, and team accountability to support a successful production ramp. 

The Cathode Department Supervisor is a key front-line leadership role responsible for translating production goals into safe, efficient, and repeatable execution on the shop floor. This position has a direct impact on delivery performance, product quality, workforce development, and continuous improvement within a critical manufacturing value stream at FuelCell Energy. 

Key Responsibilities 

Operations & Production 

• Own daily production execution for cathode department operations, including sintering nickel powder, furnace operations, CNC milling, electrolyte mixing, and related in-process activities as applicable to the department 

• Drive schedule attainment and on-time completion of work orders to support downstream operations and customer delivery commitments 

• Manage throughput, labor utilization, scrap, rework, and equipment uptime; identify and remove bottlenecks using lean manufacturing tools and root cause problem solving 

• Maintain production floor discipline through 6S, standard work, visual management, clear communication, and daily accountability for safety, quality, and output 

People Leadership 

• Directly supervise cathode department operators and coordinate daily staffing, work assignments, and labor priorities to meet production demand 

• Interview candidates, assess fit for the role and team, and make recommendations or decisions on new hires in partnership with management and human resources to support staffing needs. 

• Develop team capability through hands-on training, cross-training, coaching, skills progression, and reinforcement of work instructions and process expectations 

• Lead employee performance management, coaching, attendance follow-up, corrective action, and consistent enforcement of company policies, safety rules, and workplace standards 

Quality & Process Control 

• Ensure operators follow work instructions, OCP's, inspection requirements, and process controls to produce cathode components that meet process, dimensional, and workmanship standards 

• Own response to nonconforming product on the floor, coordinate containment activities, and support root cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce repeat issues 

• Monitor process performance, scrap trends, process defects, and workmanship issues, partnering with quality and engineering to improve consistency, yield, and process capability 

Engineering Collaboration 

• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and design engineering on process improvements, equipment needs, tooling changes, and manufacturability feedback 

• Support product and process trials on the floor, including validation of new methods, updated work instructions, and operator readiness for production changes 

• Provide operational input for equipment commissioning, maintenance priorities, and layout improvements that enhance safety, flow, and productivity 

EHS & Compliance 

• Maintain a safe work environment by enforcing PPE requirements, safe equipment operation, material handling rules, and compliance with site EHS procedures 

• Ensure timely reporting and follow-up of safety incidents, near misses, and corrective actions while reinforcing a zero-incident culture 

Metrics & Reporting 

• Track and report key performance indicators including schedule attainment, labor efficiency, scrap, rework, first-pass yield, attendance, and equipment uptime 

• Communicate daily performance results, staffing concerns, material constraints, and escalation items to leadership and cross-functional partners 

Qualifications 

Required 

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree, technical certification, or trade school training in manufacturing or a related field is a plus 

• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably supporting powder processing, furnace operations, CNC machining, chemical mixing, or related production operations 

• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, OCP's, bills of material, and inspection criteria 

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, prioritize work, solve production problems, and drive results in safety, quality, delivery, and cost 

• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing tools such as 6S, standard work, visual management, and root cause problem solving; basic proficiency in Microsoft Office required 

Preferred 

• Experience in a manufacturing environment supporting mechanical, thermal, machining, or process-based production operations 

• Experience with ERP or production tracking systems and the use of production metrics to manage daily performance 

• Experience supporting new product introductions, process changes, or equipment implementation in a production setting 

• Prior experience leading teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with strong expectations for accountability, training, and continuous improvement 

• Experience interviewing manufacturing candidates, making hiring decisions, training new employees, and coaching team members to performance expectations