Senior Operations Manager CNC Machine Shop - Aerospace Manufacturing (Phoenix)

Position Summary

The Senior Operations Manager, Machining is responsible for directing and optimizing all machining operations supporting the manufacture of highly engineered aerospace and semiconductor components. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for complex CNC machining, tool room operations, production planning, manufacturing execution, maintenance coordination, and continuous improvement activities.

The successful candidate will lead teams producing precision-machined components with extremely tight tolerances, complex geometries, and exacting quality requirements using advanced machining technologies and challenging materials including titanium, Inconel, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, nickel-based superalloys, and semiconductor-grade materials.

This position is accountable for achieving world-class performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and customer satisfaction while supporting growth initiatives in aerospace, defense, space, and semiconductor markets.

Operations Leadership

• Lead all CNC machining, tool room, and supporting manufacturing operations for complex aerospace and semiconductor components.

• Oversee multi-axis milling, turning, mill-turn, Swiss machining, precision grinding, and specialized secondary operations.

• Ensure consistent execution of machining processes capable of maintaining tight tolerances and demanding surface finish requirements.

• Develop operational strategies that support high-mix, low-volume aerospace production as well as high-precision semiconductor manufacturing environments.

• Drive capacity planning and equipment utilization across advanced machining technologies.

• Lead manufacturing readiness activities for new product introductions and advanced customer programs.

Industry-Specific Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or related field.

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.

• 5+ years leading machining operations producing complex precision components.

• Demonstrated experience supporting aerospace, defense, semiconductor, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.

• Strong understanding of GD&T, process capability, statistical process control (SPC), and root cause analysis methodologies.

• Experience managing machining operations involving titanium, Inconel, high-temperature alloys, and precision semiconductor materials.

Preferred

• Experience operating within AS9100, ISO 9001, and/or semiconductor manufacturing quality systems.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification.

• Experience supporting aerospace OEMs, space programs, defense contractors, semiconductor equipment manufacturers, or wafer fabrication supply chains.

• Familiarity with automated machining cells, robotics, lights-out manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Key Performance Indicators (Enhanced)

The Senior Operations Manager will be accountable for:

• Safety Performance

• On-Time Delivery

• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

• Labor Productivity

• Machine Utilization

• Scrap and Rework Reduction

• First Pass Yield

• Process Capability (Cp/Cpk)

• Customer PPM Performance

• Capacity Utilization

• Tooling Cost Management

• Inventory Accuracy

• EBITDA Contribution

• Employee Retention and Development

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Sr Director of Operations

Direct Reports:

• Supervisors

• Operations Managers

• Process Area Leads

• Tool Room Manager

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a proven manufacturing leader with deep expertise in precision machining operations serving aerospace and semiconductor customers. They possess a strong technical understanding of advanced CNC machining, tooling strategies, process capability, quality systems, and operational excellence. This individual thrives in environments where precision, repeatability, and customer requirements are critical to success and has a demonstrated track record of building high-performing teams while delivering exceptional operational results.

This version positions the role solidly at the senior leadership level and aligns well with organizations producing flight-critical aerospace hardware, semiconductor process equipment, and high precision machined components.