Machine Shop Supervisor

Machine Shop SupervisorThe Machine Shop Supervisor will oversee all machining operations at a large-scale electric motor repair facility with 60 total employees at full capacity. This hands-on supervisory role is responsible for leading a team of machinists, managing precision machining work on motor components, maintaining equipment, ensuring quality standards, and meeting production schedules for shaft repair, housing machining, and related operations critical to motor repair.Pending Start Date: December 2026Key Responsibilities:Team Leadership & SupervisionDirectly supervise 5-10 machinists, including journeyman machinists, CNC operators, and apprenticesAssign daily work orders and prioritize jobs based on production schedule and urgencyTrain and develop machinists in motor repair-specific machining techniquesConduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coachingManage attendance, scheduling, and overtime for the machine shopMentor apprentice machinists through structured skill developmentFoster a culture of precision, quality craftsmanship, and continuous improvementMachining Operations ManagementShaft Machining & Repair:Oversee shaft turning, grinding, and straightening operationsDirect shaft repair including metal spraying (thermal spray, flame spray, arc spray)Manage shaft installation and machiningCoordinate shaft chrome plating and precision grindingEnsure proper bearing journal dimensions and surface finishOversee keyway cutting, milling, and repair operationsHousing & Frame Machining:Manage bearing housing boring and line boring operationsOversee endbell machining and bore diameter correctionsDirect housing face machining for proper alignmentCoordinate bolt hole drilling and tappingManage housing bushing installation and machiningComponent Fabrication:Oversee manufacturing of custom motor components (spacers, brackets, adapters)Direct fabrication of specialized tooling and fixturesManage fan machining and balancingCoordinate pulley and coupling machiningPrecision Work:Ensure proper tolerances for bearing fits (typically +0.0000/-0.0005")Verify shaft runout specifications (typically 0.001-0.002" TIR)Monitor surface finish requirements for bearing journals (16-32 micro-inch)Oversee alignment and concentricity requirementsQuality Assurance:Inspect machined components to ensure dimensional accuracy and surface finishVerify tolerances using precision measuring instruments:Micrometers, dial indicators, bore gaugesHeight gauges, depth gauges, thread gaugesOptical comparators and CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) when availableReview blueprints and specifications before machining operationsApprove first-piece inspections on critical operationsInvestigate machining defects and implement corrective actionsEnsure proper documentation of all machining workMaintain calibration schedules for precision measuring equipmentMonitor scrap rate and rework requirementsEquipment & Facility Management:Oversee operation and maintenance of machine shop equipment including:Engine lathes and CNC lathes (various sizes for different shaft diameters)Vertical and horizontal machinesDrill presses and radial arm drillsSurface grinders and cylindrical grindersBoring mills and line boring equipmentMetal spraying equipment (arc spray, flame spray)Shaft straightening pressWelding equipment (for shaft buildup)Band saws and cut-off equipmentBalancing machinesCoordinate preventive maintenance schedulesManage tooling inventory (cutting tools, inserts, drill bits, end mills, boring bars)Select and procure cutting tools and machining suppliesEnsure proper coolant maintenance and chip removal systemsIdentify needs for equipment upgrades or replacementMaintain shop cleanliness and organization (5S methodology)Production Planning & Coordination:Work with Production Manager to meet departmental delivery commitmentsEstimate machining time for job quotes and schedulingPrioritize work based on critical path and customer requirementsCoordinate with other departments:Disassembly (receiving damaged components)Winding (shaft straightness requirements)Assembly (component availability)Testing (final dimensional verification)Manage outside machining servicesTrack work-in-progress and bottlenecksCommunicate delays or technical issues promptlySafety & Compliance:Enforce machine shop safety protocols and OSHA regulationsEnsure proper machine guarding and safety devices are functionalRequire use of appropriate PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots)Monitor safe operation of overhead cranes and lifting equipmentEnsure proper handling of heavy components (shafts, housings, armatures)Conduct regular safety inspections and toolbox talksInvestigate accidents and near-misses; implement preventive measuresEnsure proper chip and coolant handling proceduresMaintain clean floors free of oil, coolant, and metal chipsEnsure proper ventilation for metal spraying and welding operationsManage hazardous waste disposal (cutting fluids, oils, metal shavings)Technical Problem-Solving:Troubleshoot complex machining challengesDetermine repair feasibility for damaged componentsRecommend repair vs. replacement decisionsDesign custom fixtures and work-holding solutionsCollaborate with engineers on non-standard repairsProvide technical expertise on material properties and machining methodsInterface with customers on technical machining questionsDocumentation & Communication:Maintain accurate machining records and inspection reportsDocument non-standard repairs and special proceduresCreate and update machining process sheetsReport daily production metrics to Production ManagerCommunicate job status and technical issuesUpdate production schedule with actual completion timesMaintain drawing files and specification documentsRequirementsEducation & Experience High school diploma or equivalent; technical school or apprenticeship program preferredMinimum 7-10 years of hands-on machining experienceAt least 5 years in motor repair or heavy industrial machining environmentMinimum 3-5 years in supervisory or lead machinist positionJourneyman machinist certification or equivalent experienceBackground in precision machining and tight tolerance workTechnical ExpertiseEssential Machining Skills:Expert-level proficiency in manual lathe operation for shaft turningGrinding experience for precision bearing journalsBoring operations for bearing housingsBlueprint reading and geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T)Understanding of feeds, speeds, and cutting tool selection