We are partnering with a precision manufacturer supporting aerospace, defense, medical device, and other mission-critical industries to identify an experienced Machine Shop Manager.
This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing daily machine shop operations while driving safety, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement across a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
The ideal candidate is an experienced machine shop leader who has grown through the machining ranks, understands complex manufacturing at a technical level, and enjoys building high-performing teams while solving difficult production challenges.
Responsibilities:
Help lead day-to-day machine shop floor operations across machining, programming, quality, and production teams.
Develop, coach, and mentor machinists, programmers, and manufacturing personnel while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Drive safety, quality, productivity, on-time delivery, and operational performance throughout the facility.
Partner with manufacturing engineering and programming teams to support new product introductions, process development, first articles, and production launches.
Remove production bottlenecks by troubleshooting machining, tooling, fixturing, programming, and quality challenges.
Support automation initiatives including robotic cells, pallet systems, probing technology, and lights-out manufacturing.
Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards, inspection requirements, and customer expectations.
Establish standardized manufacturing processes that improve repeatability, efficiency, and quality.
Track operational metrics and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction, cycle time improvements, and overall equipment effectiveness.
Requirements
15+ years of CNC machining experience with progression into manufacturing leadership.
Previous experience managing a precision machine shop, production department, or manufacturing operation.
Strong background in high-mix, low-volume aerospace, defense, medical device, or other precision manufacturing environments.
Extensive knowledge of 5-axis machining, process development, setup optimization, and production operations.
Experience leading machinists, programmers, manufacturing engineers, inspectors, and production personnel.
Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, tooling, fixturing, workholding, probing, offsets, and machining strategy.
Experience with automation, robotic integration, pallet systems, or lights-out manufacturing preferred.
Proven ability to improve operational performance through process optimization, coaching, and continuous improvement.
Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.