Supervisor, Engine Build

Job Purpose:

The Supervisor, Engine Build is a Player-Coach and a hands-on manufacturing leader responsible for both executing and supervising the precision assembly of KARNO linear genset engines. This role spends 50-70% of time on the floor actively overseeing the building engines, while also owning daily production coordination, quality discipline, and technician development.

This position bridges engineering intent and production reality, ensuring engines are built right the first time while continuously improving repeatability, learning velocity, and scale readiness. Success in this role requires deep mechanical skill, strong situational leadership, and the ability to teach by example.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Hands-On Engine Assembly (Player Role)

• Oversee and be able to personally perform critical or high-risk engine assembly operations, including:




• Free-piston and linear motion assemblies
• Axial alignment and stack-up sensitive builds
• Critical sealing interfaces (dynamic and static)
• Final engine check-out and verification steps




• Serve as the go-to technical expert for complex assemblies and rework.
• Validate new or revised work instructions through first-article builds.
• Support engine teardown, inspection, and rebuild following test events.

Daily Production Leadership (Coach Role)

• Lead daily engine build execution aligned to:




• Production & test plans
• Engineering priorities and change flow




• Assign work based on:




• Technician skill level
• Build risk and criticality




• Run start-of-shift standups covering:




• Safety, Quality and Cleanliness
• Build priorities and constraints
• Engineering & Quality updates and lessons learned

Quality & Process Ownership

• Own first-time-through build quality at the engine level.
• Ensure strict adherence to:




• Build travelers and work instructions
• Torque, preload, alignment, and sealing specs
• Serialization and traceability requirements




• Lead immediate containment for:




• Assembly errors
• Fitment or tolerance stack-up issues
• Seal or cleanliness escapes




• Drive corrective actions into:




• Standard work
• Tooling and fixtures
• Training and qualification requirements

Technician Development & Coaching

• Actively train technicians on the floor through:




• Side-by-side builds
• Demonstration of best practices
• Real-time coaching and feedback




• Qualify technicians on:




• Critical operations
• Special processes
• New or updated build steps




• Set and reinforce expectations for:




• Craftsmanship
• Documentation discipline
• Accountability for quality
• Behavioral performance in the workplace

Test Feedback & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with End of Line (EOL) test and engineering to:




• Prepare engines for genset integration and test readiness
• Support post-test teardown and inspections




• Translate test findings into:




• Assembly improvements
• Updated work instructions
• Risk reduction actions




• Support PFMEA updates and error-proofing implementation.
• Identify opportunities to improve:




• Build cycle time
• Repeatability and yield
• Ergonomics and safety

Qualifications:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

Education, Experience and Certifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Technical certification or trade training preferred
• 6-10 years of precision mechanical assembly experience, including:
• 2+ years as a lead technician or working supervisor
• Experience in prototype or pilot build environments
• Background in one or more of the following:




• Advanced engines or power systems
• Aerospace or pressure systems
• High-tolerance electromechanical assemblies

Skills and Abilities:

Technical Skills

• Expert-level hands-on ability in:




• Precision mechanical assembly
• Linear motion and alignment-sensitive builds
• Seal installation and verification




• Proficiency with:




• Torque and preload-controlled fastening
• Micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, feeler gauges
• Strong ability to read and interpret:
• Engineering drawings and GD&T
• Build travelers and work instructions
• Comfortable working in rapid iteration environments with frequent ECNs

Leadership Skills

• Credibility as a working leader and able to teach through action
• Strong situational leadership and decision-making skills
• Clear communication between technicians, engineering, and management
• Bias toward ownership, accountability, and continuous learning

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with free-piston engines, linear generators, or non-rotating architecture
• Background in combustion systems, pressure vessels, or thermal-mechanical assemblies
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 / AS9100-style quality systems
• Prior involvement in scaling from prototype to pilot production

Role Classification and Working Conditions:

This is an hourly, non-exempt-level position. This position typically works in a manufacturing/production environment. Overtime may be required.

Physical/Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel domestically, as needed, by plane, automobile, etc.

Direct Reports:

This position has or may have direct report(s) and will manage onsite contractors and/or temporary associates.