Machine Shop Manager

Description

Lead the Shop. Develop the Team. Improve the Processes. Build the Future state of the Milwaukee machine shop.

Are you a hands-on machining leader who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges and developing high-performing teams?

We're looking for a Machine Shop Manager to lead our Milwaukee machine shop and help shape its future. This role is ideal for an experienced machinist who has grown into leadership and wants to remain connected to the shop floor while driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.

This is not a desk-only leadership position. You'll spend time where the work happens, supporting machinists, improving processes, solving technical challenges, and creating an environment where people and performance thrive.

Requirements

What Success Looks Like

In this role, your impact will be measured by:

• Safe, organized, and efficient shop operations
• A highly engaged, accountable, and skilled machining team
• Defined, standardized, and continuously improving manufacturing processes
• Effective tooling management and inventory control
• Improved productivity, quality, and on-time delivery performance
• Ongoing development of employee capabilities and technical skills
• Strong collaboration between operations, quality, engineering, and production teams

Why Join Us?

• Lead a team of talented CNC and manual machinists
• Influence the direction and growth of the Milwaukee machine shop
• Stay connected to the technical side of machining and manufacturing
• Drive meaningful operational improvements and process optimization
• Mentor and develop the next generation of machinists
• Help establish best practices and future-state manufacturing processes
• Join a stable, growing company where your leadership directly impacts results

Key Responsibilities

Shop Leadership

• Lead daily machine shop operations with a strong focus on safety, quality, and efficiency
• Oversee CNC milling, turning, horizontal machining centers, and manual machining activities
• Support machinists with troubleshooting, problem-solving, and process improvements
• Balance production priorities while maintaining a positive and accountable team culture
• Promote a clean, organized, and professional shop environment

Continuous Improvement

• Standardize manufacturing processes and work instructions
• Improve setup efficiency, workflow, and machine utilization
• Optimize tooling, feeds, speeds, and cycle times
• Reduce downtime, scrap, and process variation
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Drive measurable productivity and operational excellence improvements

Team Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop machinists at all skill levels
• Build technical capabilities throughout the department
• Conduct performance coaching and training initiatives
• Foster accountability, teamwork, and pride in workmanship
• Lead by example through a consistent shop-floor presence

Production & Performance

• Manage production schedules, labor resources, and workflow priorities
• Drive on-time delivery and first-pass quality performance
• Coordinate closely with engineering, quality, and operations teams
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions when necessary
• Ensure customer requirements and expectations are consistently met

Tooling & Inventory Management

• Develop and maintain effective tooling strategies
• Ensure tooling availability and cost control
• Improve inventory accuracy and organization
• Support equipment maintenance and asset management initiatives

Qualifications

Required

• 7+ years of precision machining experience
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience
• Strong CNC machining background, including milling and turning
• Experience reading blueprints and applying GD&T principles
• Deep understanding of tooling, workholding, setups, and tight‑tolerance manufacturing
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause problem‑solving skills
• Ability to lead effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment

Preferred

• Experience with horizontal machining centers
• FANUC control experience
• G‑code programming knowledge
• CAM programming experience, preferably Mastercam
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement experience

What Makes You Successful

You are someone who:

• Has earned respect because you've done the work yourself
• Leads through action, accountability, and technical credibility
• Enjoys coaching and developing others
• Takes ownership of challenges and drives results
• Communicates effectively across all levels of the organization
• Constantly looks for ways to improve processes, people, and performance
• Is passionate about machining, craftsmanship, and operational excellence

This is an opportunity to lead a talented team, improve shop performance, develop people, and help build the future state of a growing Milwaukee machine shop. Your leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to continuous improvement will have a lasting impact on our team and our success.