Supervisor/Head Winding Technician

Role details

Hydria Gas Technologies is a Houston-based manufacturer specializing in high-pressure compressed gas transportation, storage, and virtual pipeline solutions serving the U.S. energy and industrial gas markets. We are committed to innovation, operational excellence, and developing technology solutions that improve efficiency across our organization.

Position Summary

The Supervisor / Head Winding Technician is responsible for leading and overseeing all winding operations, personnel, and production activities while ensuring products meet quality, safety, and customer requirements. This role serves as the technical leader for filament winding operations, providing hands-on support, training, troubleshooting, and supervision of Winding Technicians to ensure efficient production of high-pressure composite pressure vessels.

Leadership & Supervision • Lead, supervise, and support Winding Technicians and production personnel. • Assign daily work activities and coordinate staffing to meet production schedules. • Train, mentor, and develop employees on winding processes, equipment operation, quality standards, and safety procedures. • Conduct daily production and safety meetings. • Promote teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence. • Monitor employee performance and provide coaching as needed.

Winding Operations • Oversee setup, operation, and monitoring of filament winding equipment. • Ensure carbon fiber and composite materials are wound according to engineering drawings and specifications. • Monitor winding operations and identify non-conforming winding conditions. • Stop production when quality or safety concerns arise and implement corrective actions. • Ensure proper spool changes, splice quality, material tracking, and documentation of production data. • Monitor resin application and collect required process samples. • Maintain proper product proportions, weights, and process parameters throughout production. • Troubleshoot process, equipment, and material issues to minimize downtime.

Quality Assurance • Verify products meet customer, engineering, and company quality requirements. • Conduct and oversee in-process and final inspections. • Ensure accurate production records, quality documentation, and traceability requirements are maintained. • Identify defects, investigate root causes, and drive corrective actions. • Support continuous improvement and quality initiatives. • Ensure compliance with manufacturing procedures and work instructions.

Equipment & Maintenance • Ensure winding equipment is properly maintained and operated safely. • Monitor machine performance and coordinate maintenance when required. • Verify winding machines, proportioners, and related equipment are functioning correctly. • Ensure winding areas and equipment are cleaned immediately following production runs. • Promote proper housekeeping and 5S practices throughout the department.

Safety Responsibilities • Ensure compliance with all company safety policies and procedures. • Conduct pre-job safety reviews and reinforce safe work practices. • Monitor use of required personal protective equipment (PPE). • Identify and address workplace hazards. • Foster a strong safety culture within the production team.

Required • Must be bilingual in English and Spanish • High School Diploma or GED equivalent. • Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience. • Minimum 2 years of leadership, lead technician, or supervisory experience. • Experience operating and troubleshooting filament winding or automated manufacturing equipment. • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions. • Computer literacy and ability to maintain production records. • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain on feet for extended periods.

Preferred • Experience in composite manufacturing, pressure vessels, or carbon fiber winding operations. • Experience with McClean Anderson and Ocelot winding systems. • Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience. • Forklift and overhead crane experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities • Strong leadership and team development skills. • Thorough understanding of filament winding processes and composite manufacturing. • Ability to recognize and correct non-conforming products and processes. • Strong organizational and documentation skills. • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. • Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.