Production Support Specialist

Zone 5 Technologies
San Luis Obispo, CA
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Candidates with manufacturing experience and attention to detail will find this hands-on role in aerospace and defense.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with manufacturing experience and attention to detail will find this hands-on role in aerospace and defense.
    — “The Production Support Specialist supports daily manufacturing operations by performing part preparation, finishing, additive manufacturing operations, and general production assistance tasks.”
  • Individuals with exposure to additive manufacturing or composites and a willingness to work in a production environment.
    — “Perform part finishing operations including deburring, sanding, filing, cleaning, and surface preparation on metallic, composite, and additively manufactured components.”
  • Those who thrive in collaborative settings and can follow detailed procedures under supervision.
    — “This role involves working closely with engineers, production technicians, and operations teams to support multiple programs and value streams.”

Things to consider

  • Compliance with federal regulations such as E-Verify and ITAR is a mandatory requirement.
    — “In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.”
  • The role requires physical stamina and the ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately.
    — “Ability to stand, lift, and work in a production environment.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with part finishing, additive manufacturing, and inventory management on your resume.
    — “Perform part finishing operations including deburring, sanding, filing, cleaning, and surface preparation.”
  • Emphasize your ability to follow written procedures and maintain a safe work environment.
    — “Follow all safety, quality, and compliance requirements, including AS9100, ESD, FOD, and ITAR where applicable.”
  • Showcase your familiarity with Lean practices or 5S initiatives if applicable.
    — “Support inventory organization, point-of-use storage, and 5S initiatives.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Support daily manufacturing operations
  • Maintain production flow
  • Support inventory organization
Typical background
0-3 years of experience in manufacturing, fabrication, or production environment

Skills & requirements

Required

Manufacturing SupportPart FinishingAdditive ManufacturingQuality ControlSafety Compliance

Preferred

Experience In Aerospace, Defense, Automotive

Stack & domain

ManufacturingAdditive ManufacturingPart FinishingQuality ControlSafety ComplianceLean ManufacturingUASUnmanned Aircraft SystemsAerospaceDefense

About the role

Original posting from Zone 5 Technologies via Greenhouse

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

The Production Support Specialist supports daily manufacturing operations by performing part preparation, finishing, additive manufacturing operations, and general production assistance tasks. This role focuses on executing defined support activities that enable Assemblers, Technicians, and Machinists to perform primary build, integration, and testing work efficiently and safely. 

The Production Support Specialist does not own product builds, system troubleshooting, or programming activities, but plays a critical role in maintaining production flow and shop readiness. 

This role involves working closely with engineers, production technicians, and operations teams to support multiple programs and value streams. 

Key Responsibilities:  

General Manufacturing Support 

Assist production teams with miscellaneous shop tasks as assigned 

Support rework, teardown, and prototype activities under supervision and defined instructions 

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment 

Follow all safety, quality, and compliance requirements, including AS9100, ESD, FOD, and ITAR where applicable 

Part Finishing & Preparation 

Perform part finishing operations including deburring, sanding, filing, cleaning, and surface preparation on metallic, composite, and additively manufactured components 

Remove support structures from 3D printed parts using approved tools and processes 

Perform visual inspections for obvious defects and escalate nonconformances per established procedures 

Additive Manufacturing Operations (Non-Programming) 

Operate 3D printers in accordance with established work instructions and build travelers 

Load and unload print materials and consumables 

Remove printed parts, perform post-processing, and stage parts for downstream operations 

Perform basic equipment checks and report printer issues to engineering or maintenance 

Production Support & Kitting 

Kit hardware, consumables, and components to support production builds and development activities 

Stage materials and assemblies to support efficient production flow 

Label, move, and track parts in accordance with inventory and traceability requirements 

Support inventory organization, point-of-use storage, and 5S initiatives 

Qualifications:  

High school diploma or equivalent 

0–3 years of experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or production environment 

Ability to follow written work instructions, travelers, and standard operating procedures 

Comfort using hand tools, basic power tools, and shop equipment 

Strong attention to detail and reliability in executing repetitive or varied tasks 

Ability to stand, lift, and work in a production environment 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other high-mix manufacturing environments 

Exposure to additive manufacturing, composites, or mechanical part preparation 

Familiarity with Lean manufacturing concepts or 5S practices 

Pay range for this role$17.50—$19.35 USDWhat's in it for you:

Benefits: 

Competitive total compensation package 

Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.

401k with company-match 

3 weeks of paid time off each year

40 hours of sick time

12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.

Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

Source: Zone 5 Technologies careers (Greenhouse)

Similar roles