Machining Foreman

Machine Shop Foreman

Position Type: Full-time, In-person
Location: Elmwood Park, IL

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Machine Shop Foreman to lead our machining operations. This is a working leadership role: the ideal candidate brings direct, hands-on experience machining large, complex parts using manual and CNC equipment — not just shop management experience. You'll thrive here if you excel at mentoring skilled tradespeople, solving technical challenges on the floor, and delivering high-quality work on time in a precision machining environment.

The Foreman oversees all daily shop operations, ensuring production runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently. You'll manage scheduling, monitor job progress, provide hands-on technical support for setups and troubleshooting on large-part jobs, train machinists, and serve as the primary leader on the shop floor. This role is critical to meeting customer expectations and supporting cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Scheduling

• Develop optimal manufacturing methods, including machine selection, workholding, setups, and work routing — with particular attention to the demands of large and complex parts
• Plan and prioritize jobs to meet deadlines while maximizing shop capacity and efficiency
• Coordinate activities of machinists, CNC operators, and shop personnel
• Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, CAD models, and tolerance requirements
• Collaborate with procurement and outside processing coordinators to ensure material readiness

Production & Quality Management

• Oversee the machining of large, heavy, and tight-tolerance parts, providing hands-on support with manual lathes, manual mills, boring mills, and CNC equipment as needed
• Ensure all machining processes meet tight tolerances and quality specifications
• Troubleshoot tooling, equipment, and production issues in real time, including workholding and setup challenges specific to oversized components
• Verify proper machine setup, operation, and maintenance standards
• Coordinate with other shop division leads as needed
• Monitor work-in-progress to maintain quality and schedule adherence

Leadership & Team Development

• Train, coach, and evaluate machinists and shop personnel
• Provide constructive feedback and conduct annual performance reviews
• Address attendance, safety, and performance issues promptly and professionally
• Build and maintain a high-performing shop culture

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all safety policies and OSHA requirements
• Conduct toolbox talks and post-incident reviews
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free work areas, with attention to safe handling of large and heavy parts
• Model safe practices and hold the team accountable

Communication & Continuous Improvement

• Provide timely updates to project managers, engineers, and office staff
• Communicate delays, challenges, or material issues promptly
• Recommend efficiency improvements, new tooling, and process innovations
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to optimize workflows

What You Bring

• Proven leadership experience in a machine shop or precision manufacturing environment
• Required hands-on machining experience with manual lathes, manual mills, boring mills, and CNC equipment
• Demonstrated experience machining large, heavy, and/or tight-tolerance components
• High mechanical aptitude and demonstrated machining expertise
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Sharp attention to detail and quality standards
• Confidence making sound decisions under pressure
• Clear, professional communication skills across all organizational levels
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and CAD models

What Success Looks Like

• Large and complex jobs are completed on time, per specification, and without quality issues
• Project managers and engineers receive clear, timely communication
• Machinists feel supported, well-trained, and held to high performance standards
• A safe, efficient, well-organized shop environment
• Measurable continuous improvements to processes, efficiency, and workflow

Benefits

• Health Insurance: PPO plan with employer covering 50% of employee premiums; dependent coverage available at shared cost
• Dental Insurance: Optional coverage available; employee-paid
• Vision Insurance: Vision plan available
• Two weeks of paid vacation annually
• Annual holiday bonus based on company performance
• Employer-funded profit-sharing plan with 100% company contribution
• 401(k) plan available after one year of employment
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related education and professional development
• Employee discounts through payroll provider