CNC Lathes Supervisor - Defense & Aerospace Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Job Requirements

The CNC Lathes Supervisor is responsible for leading high-precision CNC turning operations supporting defense and aerospace manufacturing programs. This role ensures the production of complex precision components to exacting tolerances while maintaining strict compliance with AS9100, customer specifications, regulatory requirements (including ITAR where applicable), and company quality standards. This is a hands-on leadership position focused on execution, accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement—with direct responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, and machining capacity.

Key Responsibilities Production Execution & Throughput

• Lead daily operations across CNC turning centers, including 2-axis, multi-axis, live-tooling, and Swiss-type lathes where applicable.

• Drive on-time delivery of mission-critical aerospace and defense components.

• Manage machine loading, production scheduling, labor allocation, and workflow efficiency.

• Ensure proper job prioritization to meet customer commitments and production deadlines.

Precision Machining Oversight

• Oversee machine setups and verify machining accuracy for close-tolerance components (often ±.0005" or tighter).

• Approve first article inspections in accordance with AS9102 requirements.

• Ensure proper machining of difficult materials including Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, hardened alloys, and exotic materials.

• Troubleshoot machining issues involving chatter, tool wear, insert selection, chip control, surface finish, concentricity, runout, and dimensional variation.

• Support optimization of feeds, speeds, tooling strategies, and cycle times.

Quality & Compliance

• Enforce strict compliance with AS9100 quality management systems and internal procedures.

• Ensure complete material traceability and proper documentation throughout production.

• Partner with Quality to investigate nonconformances and implement effective corrective actions.

• Support customer, internal, and regulatory audits through proper documentation and process control.

• Promote a zero-defect culture through disciplined inspection and process verification.

Leadership & Workforce Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop CNC lathe machinists, setup technicians, programmers, and operators.

• Foster a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Train employees in advanced turning techniques, GD&T interpretation, blueprint reading, inspection methods, and safe machining practices.

• Establish clear performance expectations and hold team members accountable to production, quality, and safety standards.

• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and employee development planning.

Tooling, Fixtures & Equipment

• Oversee tooling selection, insert management, workholding, chucking systems, collet systems, and fixture optimization.

• Monitor tool life and cutting performance to maximize productivity and reduce tooling costs.

• Coordinate preventive maintenance activities to minimize equipment downtime.

• Recommend equipment upgrades, tooling improvements, and capital investments to increase machining capability.

• Ensure machines are maintained in safe, production-ready condition.

Continuous Improvement & Capacity Growth

• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives focused on waste reduction and productivity improvements.

• Reduce scrap and rework through root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), spindle utilization, and machine uptime.

• Identify opportunities for automation, bar feeders, robotic loading, and process improvements where appropriate.

• Support expansion of machining capacity while maintaining quality standards.

Cross-Functional Execution

• Collaborate with Engineering during new product introduction (NPI), process development, and manufacturability reviews.

• Partner with Programming to optimize CNC turning programs and machining strategies.

• Coordinate with Supply Chain to ensure tooling, raw materials, and production resources are available.

• Communicate production status, quality concerns, scheduling risks, and key performance metrics to leadership.

• Work closely with Maintenance, Quality, Planning, and Operations to achieve company objectives.

Work Experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of CNC turning experience, including multi-axis lathe operations.

• Previous supervisory or manufacturing leadership experience preferred.

• Strong knowledge of aerospace machining practices and close-tolerance manufacturing.

• Thorough understanding of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, SPC, and precision inspection methods.

• Experience with AS9100 quality systems and AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements.

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Epicor preferred).

• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Performance Expectations The CNC Lathes Supervisor is expected to:

• Maintain exceptional safety, quality, delivery, and productivity performance.

• Develop a highly skilled and engaged machining team.

• Meet customer delivery commitments while minimizing scrap and downtime.

• Continuously improve machining efficiency, tooling utilization, and production capacity.

• Lead by example with professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to operational excellence.