Production Lead 1st Shift

Connect Staffing is hiring a Production Lead for the Press Department at an aluminum forging manufacturer in Santa Ana, CA. This is a temp-to-hire position paying $21–$25/hr with approximately 8 hours of weekly overtime. In this role, you will retrieve forged aluminum parts from the die, place them into etch baskets, and provide hands-on direction to press department employees while tracking part counts and verifying quality against job travelers. This is a working lead position — you will be on the floor performing production tasks alongside the team you direct. This client offers an exceptional permanent benefits package — including a fully company-paid ESOP retirement plan and life insurance — making this a strong long-term opportunity.

Pay:$21–$25/hr

Schedule: Mon–Thu 5:00 AM–3:30 PM, Fri 5:00 AM–1:30 PM, Saturdays as needed

Location: Santa Ana, CA

Job Type: Temp-to-Hire

Primary workplace language(s):English / Spanish

Work Environment: Manufacturing Plant / Factory— metal and machine shop, very hot environment

Overtime: Weekly OT required (~8 hrs/wk)

Responsibilities

• Direct, instruct, and provide feedback to press department employees on production tasks and equipment use throughout the shift.
• Confirm all employees are present and on task at the start of each shift.
• Act as first point of contact for troubleshooting, issue resolution, and escalation to the supervisor.
• Provide cross-training to press operators on tools, equipment, and production processes.
• Maintain regular communication with the Lead A and department supervisor on production status.
• Keep the work area organized and operating in a safe, lean environment.

Minimum Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a press department, forging operation, or metal manufacturing environment.
• Experience providing work direction or informal leadership to a production team.
• Familiarity with job travelers, part counts, or production quality verification processes.
• Experience using material handling equipment to move heavy parts.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles or 5S practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish.
• You may be a great fit if you've held any of these titles: Press Operator, Production Lead, Press Department Lead, Forging Operator, Manufacturing Lead, Production Supervisor, Press Room Lead, Working Lead, Production Team Lead, Factory Lead Operator.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently throughout the shift.
• Ability to work at a fast pace and perform constant rotation to move parts from press to basket.
• Steel toe boots required (employee-provided).
• Drug screen required.
• Background check required.
• E-Verify / work authorization required.
• Must be a US Citizen or US Person per ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) — ITAR compliance required.
• Must be a US Citizen or US Person as defined by ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations).

Benefits

• Weekly pay.
• Direct deposit / Paycard.
• Health and dental benefits available.
• Earn referral bonuses.
• CalSavers retirement program available.
• Additional benefits available upon permanent hire, including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance (100% company paid — covers employee, spouse, and dependent children), generous vacation time, 9 paid holidays, holiday shut down (Christmas through New Year's), sick time, annual bonus, 401(k) with company match, and employee referral program.

After you apply, please check your email for a short screening questionnaire from us. Candidates who complete it promptly will be reviewed faster.

See all our current openings at jobs.connectstaffing.com

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