Advance Your Career as a Supervisory Production Controller with the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Are you a manufacturing expert with a passion for leadership? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently hiring a Supervisory Production Controller for its UNICOR operations in Lompoc, California. This role offers the unique opportunity to balance industrial production management with the vital mission of correctional safety and offender rehabilitation. If you are ready to apply your technical skills in a high-impact environment, this position may be your next career milestone.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Production Controller, your duties are both operational and managerial:

Operations Management: Plan production cycles, define process steps, and specify equipment needs for stations involving cutting, assembly, and packing.
Leadership: Directly supervise civilian staff and oversee the training of federal inmate workers to ensure efficient factory flow.
Quality Control: Coordinate with foremen and quality assurance personnel to maintain high standards of production output.
Security: As a member of the BOP, you are responsible for maintaining the security of the institution at all times, which takes precedence over all other tasks.

Comparison of Requirements

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	High school diploma or equivalent (Degrees credited only if relevant)
Experience	1 year of specialized industrial/production management
Probation	1-year supervisory probationary period required

Requirements

To be eligible, you must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 equivalent level. This experience should highlight your ability to manage production planning, manufacturing supervision, and equipment utilization. All applicants must be able to pass a background check and complete a mandatory three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' course in Glynco, Georgia.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $87,061 to $113,185 per year, based on a competitive pay scale for the Lompoc area. This range reflects the specialized skills and the supervisory nature of the role.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including:

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
Generous federal retirement plans, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid vacation and sick leave.
Access to federal training and professional development programs.

Application Tips

Be Specific: Use the 'Number of Hours Worked Per Week' for every position listed in your resume.
Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 and performance appraisals are current and legible.
Formatting: Avoid using symbols in your file names. A file named 'Resume.pdf' is much better than 'Resume!.pdf'.
Assessment: Take the questionnaire seriously—it is the first filter the human resources team uses to determine your ranking.

This role is an excellent fit for someone who possesses both the technical manufacturing knowledge and the leadership mindset required for a correctional environment. By applying, you are stepping into a career that supports the critical infrastructure of our federal prison system. Submit your application today to be considered for this vital role.

Why This Production Controller (Supervisory Production Controller) (Unicor) Job Matters

Lead production operations in a high-stakes environment where your expertise directly supports public safety and offender rehabilitation within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Production Controller (Supervisory Production Controller) (Unicor) Job Overview

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervisory Production Controller to join the UNICOR team at a correctional facility in Lompoc, California. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee factory operations, manage production workflows, and ensure both efficient manufacturing output and the security of the institution. This position combines industrial management with correctional expertise, making it a unique opportunity for professionals who thrive in challenging, mission-driven environments.

Requirements for Production Controller (Supervisory Production Controller) (Unicor)

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Completion of a one-year probationary period for supervisory appointments.
Successful completion of the 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' three-week training course in Glynco, Georgia.
Ability to pass a background investigation, physical, and urinalysis.
Must be 36 years of age or younger for original appointment (per 5 U.S.C. 3307).
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Verification of residence at the time of application.

Preferred Qualifications for Production Controller (Supervisory Production Controller) (Unicor)

Proven experience in managing manufacturing cycles, including planning, scheduling, and equipment allocation.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate production workflows with quality control and foreman teams.
Strong leadership capabilities in a supervisory capacity, preferably within an industrial or correctional setting.
Advanced proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software such as SAP.
Expertise in technical writing and effective oral communication.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal benefits package including health insurance, life insurance, and long-term care insurance.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for federal career advancement and internal mobility.
✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.

💡 How to Apply Production Controller (Supervisory Production Controller) (Unicor) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Production Controller (Supervisory Production Controller) (Unicor) Job

Register for a verified account on the official federal jobs portal.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it includes start/end dates in MM/YYYY format and hours worked per week.
Upload required documentation, including the latest SF-50 (if applicable), performance appraisals, and academic transcripts.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire to establish your eligibility score.
Submit your application package before the closing date of November 2, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure all uploaded documents are saved with clear, professional file names without special characters (e.g., Avoid using #, @, %).
The two-page resume limit is strict; focus on highlighting your most relevant supervisory and manufacturing experience.
If you are a current or former federal employee, an unredacted SF-50 is essential to confirm your status and eligibility.
Double-check your responses to the online assessment; your score will be compared against your provided resume evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Supervisory Production Controller?

You are responsible for managing UNICOR factory operations, supervising civilian and inmate staff, planning manufacturing steps, and ensuring that all production quotas meet quality standards while maintaining institutional security.

Is travel required for this position?

While the role is site-specific in Lompoc, the incumbent is subject to geographic relocation as required by the needs of the agency.

Are there specific age requirements for this job?

Yes, per 5 U.S.C. 3307, there is a maximum entry age of 36 for original appointment to a position within a Bureau of Prisons institution.

What is the maximum entry age?

You must be 36 or younger for an original appointment per current federal law.

Is relocation covered?

Relocation assistance is not explicitly noted; however, the position is subject to relocation at the agency's discretion.

Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System

The Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Prisons is tasked with protecting society by confining offenders in controlled environments. UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries) is the industrial arm of the agency, providing vital job training and work experience to inmates. By joining this team, you are not just managing a factory—you are contributing to public safety and the successful reentry of individuals into society.