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Saab Global
Installation in HQ

Assembly Line Team Lead - 3rd Shift

West Lafayette IN,
United States of America
Closing date: 30 August 2025

Job Description:

As Saab Continues to expand the West Lafayette operation, we are seeking a 3rd Shift Team Lead to help build a high-performance team, supporting the Structural operation.

Responsibilities include:

  • Provides day to day guidance on work activity and instructions as provided by the supervisor

  • Clearly communicates daily production goals, as well as facilitates meetings and presents on project status

  • When not functioning as a team leader, expected to be working in the functional area of operation (anticipate 80% production work)

  • Executes standardized work procedures to deliver 100% quality according to sub-assembly standards for aircraft structure

  • Champions all KPIs -including safety, quality, cost, delivery, morale, and innovation

  • Contributes to a people-first culture in alignment with Saab values: Trust, Drive, Expertise, and Support

  • Adheres to and promotes Saab 6S program, maintaining a safe and clean environment

  • Creates a positive work environment that inspires the team to grow in confidence, product knowledge, communication, and collaboration with other functional areas

  • Serves as a mentor for on-the-job training of new employees, and acts as a subject matter expert with manufacturing activities in their area of responsibility

  • Demonstrates the ability to understand and implement continuous improvement plans

  • Provides general guidance when there are questions about local work rules and operational policies, escalating when needed

  • Assists with coverage for team member absences to ensure day to day activities and goals are achieved

  • Supports supervisor on efficiently executing daily goals and objectives

  • May provide functional back-up coverage for the area supervisor, including GEMBA presentations

  • Other tasks as assigned and authorized

Compensation: Starting Pay Rate:  $31.00 per hour

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

External Candidates

  • High School Degree or GED Required

  • 3+ years of structural/component assembly or equivalent experience required

  • 2+ years of front-line people leadership experience in a manufacturing setting

Internal Candidates

  • Must hold SAAB West Lafayette TXA102 (Structures) certification

  • Currently meeting performance expectations in role

  • Must be in good standing, with no formal disciplinary actions issued within the past 6 months (written or greater)

  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal)

  • Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)

  • Excellent attention to detail and time management skills

  • Ability to collaborate as part of a project team, and cross-functionally

  • Experience in an AS9100 or ISO environment desired

  • Technical aptitude to learn new systems in an advanced manufacturing environment

  • Proven teamwork and solution driven leadership skills

  • Must be able to stand for extended periods

  • Ability to perform physical tasks such as consistently sitting, bending, stooping, twisting, grasping, gripping, standing, walking, climbing, reaching throughout a normal workday

  • Ability to perform repetitive motions (such as lifting or assembly of parts) including the use of handheld power tools

  • Ability to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds frequently, and up to fifty (50) pounds on occasion

  • Ability to work extended hours and weekend overtime when required

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident (green card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Benefits:

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, business-casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits:

  • Medical, vision and dental insurance for employees and dependents

  • Paid time off including: minimum of 3 weeks vacation, 5 floating holidays, 8 designated holidays, parental leave, personal illness, bereavement, jury duty, long-term and short-term disability

  • 401(k) with immediate vesting on employer match

  • Tuition assistance

  • Student loan assistance

  • Wellness account, Care.com subscription and employee assistance programs

  • Employee stock purchase program with employer match

About Us:

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.