Team Lead

Team LeadLocation: Trenton, MICompany: Steel Tool & Engineering Co. Industry: Aerospace Precision Machining & FabricationEmployment Type: Full-Time, HourlyShift: 6am-4:30pmSteel Tool & Engineering is a leading aerospace manufacturer specializing in precision machining, complex metal fabrication, and welded assemblies. As an AS9100-certified and NADCAP-accredited facility, we are committed to delivering exceptional quality, reliability, and compliance across all operations.OverviewThe Team Lead is responsible for coordinating daily production activities, supporting operators, ensuring safety and quality standards, and driving continuous improvement. This role acts as the first line of leadership on the shop floor, ensuring that people, production, and problems are managed effectively using a structured 3-Step Daily Leadership Process.ResponsibilitiesPlan the daily workflow by reviewing production schedules, hourly attainment, staffing levels, machine readiness, materials, and toolingConduct start-of-shift team huddles to communicate safety reminders, production targets, quality expectations, and known issuesAssign operators to workstations and ensure all team members understand prioritiesMonitor production throughout the shift by walking the floor, observing operations, and verifying adherence to standard workTrack hourly output, scrap, downtime, and quality performanceProvide coaching, training, and hands-on support to operators as neededAddress minor issues immediately, including housekeeping/5S corrections, minor equipment irregularities, documentation gaps, and non-critical quality concernsEscalate major issues such as safety risks, customer-impacting defects, equipment failures, or environmental concernsCommunicate effectively with Quality, Maintenance, and Supervisors regarding issues and performanceEnsure safety rules, PPE requirements, and company policies are followed at all timesReview end-of-shift results versus targets and document downtime, quality issues, and safety concernsCommunicate shift performance and open issues to the next shift or supervisorIdentify at least one improvement opportunity each shift and support continuous improvement activities such as Kaizen and A3 problem solvingApply SMART goal principles when participating in improvement projects or setting team objectivesQualifications2 + years of experience in manufacturing (steel, machining, tooling, or related preferred)Prior leadership or lead-operator experience strongly preferredWorking knowledge of Lean principles (5S, standard work, waste reduction)Ability to lift 40 lbs. and work in a shop-floor environmentBasic computer skills (production reporting, email, ERP entry)Benefits100% Medical Paid (If you already have medical coverage and don't request STE medical insurance, you can receive the medical waiver of $300 per month)Dental and Vision Insurance (Includes Dependents)Life Insurance401KPaid HolidaysPaid Vacations