Precision mechanics supervisor

Description

Precision mechanics supervisors oversee, train and manage workers who fit together complex parts of small-size machines such as measuring or control mechanisms.

Here are some of the duties of a precision mechanics supervisor:

  • Overseeing, training, and managing workers who fit together complex parts of small-size machines such as measuring or control mechanisms
  • Ensuring that the precision mechanics process remains smooth and efficient by organizing workflows and monitoring staff
  • Directing, training, and assisting lower-level precision mechanics workers
  • Preparing production reports and compiling production records
  • Ensuring that all equipment is functioning properly and preparing work schedules
  • Conducting reviews for personnel performance and evaluating employee performance
  • Conferring with management or subordinates to resolve worker problems, complaints, or grievances
  • Advising others on ways to improve processes or products.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to precision mechanics supervisor:

precision machinery production supervisor
lead maintenance precision operative
precision maintenance machining and assembly manager
precision maintenance and assembly supervisor
precision maintenance machine shop supervisor
precision maintenance machine team leader
precision maintenance machine shop manager
precision maintenance machining and assembly supervisor
precision maintenance machining department supervisor
precision maintenance machine charge hand
precision machine setter supervisor
precision maintenance machine adjuster supervisor
precision maintenance machining supervisor
precision maintenance machine and assembly maintenance team leader

Working conditions

Precision mechanics supervisors typically work in manufacturing or industrial environments, such as machine shops or production facilities. The work environment may involve exposure to machinery, tools, and potentially hazardous materials. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is often required to ensure safety. The role may involve standing or walking for extended periods and may require occasional lifting or carrying of heavy components or equipment. Working hours may vary and may include shifts, weekends, or overtime to accommodate production demands or project deadlines.

Minimum qualifications

The educational requirements for a precision mechanics supervisor may vary depending on the industry and employer. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, although some employers may prefer candidates with post-secondary education or vocational training in precision mechanics, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Previous experience as a precision mechanics technician or in a similar role is essential to possess a deep understanding of precision mechanical assembly techniques and processes. Strong technical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in interpreting technical drawings and specifications are crucial. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are also necessary to effectively supervise and coordinate the work of precision mechanics technicians.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Precision mechanics supervisor is a Skill level 3 occupation.

Precision mechanics supervisor career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to precision mechanics supervisor.

machinery assembly supervisor
machine operator supervisor
container equipment assembly supervisor
wood assembly supervisor
paper mill supervisor

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of precision mechanics supervisor. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of precision mechanics supervisor with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

wood factory manager
metrologist
quality engineer
welding engineer
maintenance and repair engineer

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of precision mechanics supervisor.

  • Precision mechanics: Precision or fine mechanics is a subdiscipline in engineering that focuses on the design and development of smaller precision machines.
  • Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
  • Micromechanics: The design and production of micromechanisms. Micromechanisms combine mechanical and electrical components in a single device that is less than 1mm across.
  • Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of precision mechanics supervisor.

  • Create solutions to problems: Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
  • Oversee production requirements: Oversee production processes and prepare all the resources needed to maintain an efficient and continuous flow of production.
  • Ensure quality of final product: Ensure that finished products meet or exceed company specifications.
  • Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
  • Oversee assembly operations: Give technical instructions to assembly workers and control their progress to ensure compliance with quality standards and to check that the goals set in the production plan are met.
  • Plan shifts of employees: Plans shifts of employees to ensure completion of all customer orders and satisfactory completion of the production plan.
  • Analyse the need for technical resources: Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.
  • Communicate problems to senior colleagues: Communicate and give feedback to senior colleagues in the event of problems or non-conformities.
  • Consult technical resources: Read and interpret such technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.
  • Coordinate communication within a team: Collect contact info for all team members and decide on modes of communication.
  • Report on production results: Report on production to the hierarchy. Mention a specified set of parameters, such as amount produced and timing, and any issues or unexpected occurrences.
  • Liaise with managers: Liaise with managers of other departments ensuring effective service and communication, i.e. sales, planning, purchasing, trading, distribution and technical.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of precision mechanics supervisor. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of precision mechanics supervisor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Perform technically demanding tasks: Perform duties which require particular technical skills such as testing new measuring instruments, developing a program for numerically controlled machines or realising delicate manual work.
  • Undertake inspections: Undertake safety inspections in areas of concern to identify and report potential hazards or security breaches; take measures to maximise safety standards.
  • Monitor manufacturing quality standards: Monitor quality standards in manufacturing and finishing process.
  • Oversee logistics of finished products: Ensure that the processes of packing, storage and shipment of finished products meet the requirements.
  • Operate precision measuring equipment: Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
  • Oversee quality control: Monitor and assure the quality of the provided goods or services by overseeing that all the factors of the production meet quality requirements. Supervise product inspection and testing.
  • Identify hazards in the workplace: Perform safety audits and inspections on workplaces and workplace equipment. Ensure that they meet safety regulations and identify hazards and risks.
  • Wear appropriate protective gear: Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
  • Evaluate employees work: Evaluate the need for labour for the work ahead. Evaluate the performance of the team of workers and inform superiors. Encourage and support the employees in learning, teach them techniques and check the application to ensure product quality and labour productivity.
  • Provide advice to technicians: Offer help and advice to service technicians in case of machine malfunctions and other repair tasks.
  • Liaise with quality assurance: Work closely with the relevant quality assurance or grading party involved.
  • Schedule regular machine maintenance: Schedule and perform regular maintenance, cleaning, and repairs of all equipment. Order necessary machine parts and upgrade equipment when necessary to ensure optimal performance.
  • Use precision tools: Use electronic, mechanical, electric, or optical precision tools for precision work.
  • Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
  • Write inspection reports: Write the results and conclusions of the inspection in a clear and intelligible way. Log the inspection’s processes such as contact, outcome, and steps taken.
  • Check material resources: Verify that all requested resources are delivered and in good working order. Notify the appropriate person or people of any problems related to technical and material resources.
  • Set up the controller of a machine: Set up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.
  • Demonstrate products’ features: Demonstrate how to use a product in a correct and safe manner, provide customers with information on the product’s main features and benefits, explain operation, correct use and maintenance. Persuade potential customers to purchase items.
  • Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.

ISCO group and title

3122 – Manufacturing supervisors


References
  1. Precision mechanics supervisor – ESCO
Last updated on May 31, 2023