Estes Industries

Manufactures model rocket engines and kits

Engine Manufacturing Supervisor

Manufacturing & Production OperationsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timePenrose, CO, USA$65k - $75k /yrIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
At least 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production scheduling, and quality control.
Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
Ability to work effectively in a hands-on production environment.
Proficiency with basic computer applications and manufacturing reporting systems.
Must pass a thorough background check to obtain licenses with the State of Colorado Explosives Board, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the Department of Homeland Security; any job offer is contingent on the results and ability to obtain the required licenses.

Responsibilities

Supervise daily engine manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, quality standards, and cost targets.
Coordinate staffing, equipment, and materials to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.
Monitor production performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements.
Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, quality, and planning teams to resolve production issues.
Maintain accurate production records, inventory transactions, and operational reporting.
Promote a safety-first culture in a manufacturing environment involving energetic materials.
Ensure employees follow established safety procedures, operating instructions, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Conduct routine safety inspections, identify hazards, and implement corrective actions.
Participate in incident investigations and support preventive measures.
Ensure employees receive appropriate safety training and follow established procedures for handling energetic materials.
Ensure manufacturing processes consistently meet established product specifications and quality requirements.
Monitor scrap, rework, and rejection rates and lead efforts to reduce defects.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase production capacity.
Support implementation of standardized work, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Partner with engineering and quality teams to address recurring manufacturing issues.
Lead, train, and develop production employees, including team leads and machine operators.
Establish clear performance expectations and provide regular coaching and feedback.
Manage employee scheduling, attendance, performance evaluations, and training.
Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
Identify opportunities for employee cross-training and skill development.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in energetic materials, aerospace, defense, chemical manufacturing, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements, process safety, and hazardous materials handling.
Experience implementing Lean manufacturing, 5S, or other continuous improvement practices.
Experience with enterprise resource planning or manufacturing management systems, particularly Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
A technical degree or relevant manufacturing certifications.

Engine Manufacturing Supervisor
Estes Industries | Penrose, Colorado
Department: Engine Manufacturing
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Manufacturing Manager
Position Summary
Estes Industries is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Supervisor to lead daily operations in our model rocket engine manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and consistent production while maintaining high standards of product quality and regulatory compliance.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with experience in manufacturing operations, employee supervision, and continuous improvement. This role requires a strong commitment to safety, attention to detail, and the ability to develop and motivate a production team.
Key Responsibilities
Production Management

Supervise daily engine manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, quality standards, and cost targets.
Coordinate staffing, equipment, and materials to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.
Monitor production performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements.
Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, quality, and planning teams to resolve production issues.
Maintain accurate production records, inventory transactions, and operational reporting.

Safety & Compliance

Promote a safety-first culture in a manufacturing environment involving energetic materials.
Ensure employees follow established safety procedures, operating instructions, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Conduct routine safety inspections, identify hazards, and implement corrective actions.
Participate in incident investigations and support preventive measures.
Ensure employees receive appropriate safety training and follow established procedures for handling energetic materials.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

Ensure manufacturing processes consistently meet established product specifications and quality requirements.
Monitor scrap, rework, and rejection rates and lead efforts to reduce defects.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase production capacity.
Support implementation of standardized work, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Partner with engineering and quality teams to address recurring manufacturing issues.

Team Leadership

Lead, train, and develop production employees, including team leads and machine operators.
Establish clear performance expectations and provide regular coaching and feedback.
Manage employee scheduling, attendance, performance evaluations, and training.
Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
Identify opportunities for employee cross-training and skill development.

Qualifications
Required

3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
1+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production scheduling, and quality control.
Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a hands-on production environment.
Proficiency with basic computer applications and manufacturing reporting systems.
The candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a thorough background check in order to become licensed with the State of Colorado Explosives Board, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the Department of Homeland Security. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the results of this background check and the ability to obtain the required licenses.

Preferred

Experience in energetic materials, aerospace, defense, chemical manufacturing, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with OSHA requirements, process safety, and hazardous materials handling.
Experience implementing Lean manufacturing, 5S, or other continuous improvement practices.
Experience with ERP or manufacturing management systems, particularly Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Technical degree or relevant manufacturing certifications.

About Estes Industries
Estes Industries is a leading manufacturer of model rockets and rocket engines, inspiring generations of students, hobbyists, and aerospace enthusiasts. Our manufacturing operations combine decades of experience with a commitment to safety, quality, and innovation.
We are looking for individuals who take pride in manufacturing excellence and want to contribute to the continued success of an iconic American aerospace brand.
Estes Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About the Company

Estes Industries

Manufactures model rocket engines and kits

Estes Industries manufactures model rocket engines, kits, and accessories. Its products work by providing propulsion through solid rocket motors used in hobby rockets; customers assemble kits and attach engines for flights powered by stored propellant that ignites to push the rocket upward. The company differentiates itself by being a long‑running, family‑run business with a strong emphasis on safety and accessibility, serving customers from backyards and schools to broader hobby communities, and maintaining leadership in the model rocket segment. Estes aims to ignite imagination and help each new generation enjoy safe, successful flights, striving to be the best model rocket company on the planet.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: Penrose, CO
Founded: 1958

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