Machine Shop Manager

JOB TITLE: Machine Shop Manager
LOCATION:Santa Ana, CA
PAY RATE: $62.50/hour

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details:

• Job Type: Contract (12 months with potential for extension)

• Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance

• Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

• Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

• Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.

Qualifying Questions:

• Are you a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance?

• Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

• Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary: 

• Takes full ownership of end-to-end machine shop production and monitors KPIs for quality, throughput, cost, and delivery.

• Reviews quote requests and builds accurate labor, material, tooling, and machine-time estimates.

• Assesses manufacturability, technical risk, and no-bid or alternate-solution opportunities.

• Selects materials, tooling, fixtures, machining methods, and work holding for each job.

• Generates CAM toolpaths and G-code for 3-axis and 5-axis indexed CNC equipment.

• Sets up and operates manual and CNC equipment for complex, high-tolerance, prototype, and production parts.

• Performs and oversees in-process and final inspection using calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and other precision equipment.

• Maintains quality, traceability, inspection, and production documentation in line with ISO 9001 and AS9100.

• Manages ERP configuration and transactions including work order releases, BOMs, routers, labor tracking, and quality records.

• Supervises, develops, and mentors machinists and CNC operators, building a culture of quality, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Requirements:

• Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

• Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).

• Hands-on experience across both composite manufacturing and CNC mill machining.

• 7+ years of machining experience across manual and CNC equipment, including a CNC mill environment.

• Strong CAM programming and machine setup experience (Fusion 360, Mastercam, or equivalent), generating complex toolpaths and G-code for 3- and 5-axis work.

• Demonstrated ability to build and own quoting, material planning, and production scheduling.

• Proven experience assessing manufacturability and technical risk, developing accurate labor/material estimates, and making no-bid or alternate-solution calls.

• Prior leadership, supervisory, training, or mentoring experience in a machine shop.

• Strong command of GD&T, engineering drawings, machining methods, tooling, fixturing, work holding, and inspection practices.

• Proficiency with precision inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, CMMs) and ERP/MRP or job-tracking systems.

• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems including inspection, traceability, and documentation.

About Us:

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

Take your career to new heights—apply today!