Machine Shop Manager

Eleven Recruiting is searching for a Machine Shop Manager to take full ownership of a six-mill CNC machine shop for a growing space & defense manufacturer that runs both composites and precision machining. This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced machinist who is equally fluent in CAM programming, setups, quoting, and quality control. You will run the shop end to end — building quoting, material planning, and production scheduling; assessing manufacturability and technical risk; and driving execution across programming, setups, tooling, inspection, and on-time delivery — all while mentoring the next generation of machinists and operators. Responsibilities Take full ownership of end-to-end machine shop production; monitor KPIs and drive improvements across quality, throughput, cost, and delivery. Serve as the primary authority for shop operations — production planning, scheduling, capacity planning, resource allocation, and tooling. Review quote requests and build accurate labor, material, tooling, and machine-time estimates; assess manufacturability, technical risk, and no-bid or alternate-solution opportunities. Select the right materials, tooling, fixtures, machining methods, and workholding for each job. Generate CAM toolpaths and G-code for 3-axis and 5-axis indexed CNC equipment. Set up and operate manual and CNC equipment as needed — particularly for complex, high-tolerance, prototype, or production parts. Ensure parts are built to customer specifications, drawings, tolerances, and quality requirements. Perform and oversee in-process and final inspection using calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and other precision equipment; identify nonconformances and direct or perform rework. Maintain quality, traceability, inspection, and production documentation in line with ISO 9001 and AS9100. Identify, source, and procure tooling, fixtures, materials, and equipment. Own ERP configuration and transactions — work order releases, BOMs, routers, labor tracking, daily balancing, and quality records. Supervise, develop, and mentor machinists and CNC operators; build a culture of quality, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. Keep the shop clean, organized, and safe, and partner with leadership on capability, capacity, throughput, automation, and cost-saving initiatives. Required Qualifications: Hands-on experience across both composite manufacturing and CNC mill machining — this role spans both disciplines. 7+ years of machining experience across manual and CNC equipment, including a CNC mill environment. Strong CAM programming and machine setup experience (Fusion 360, Mastercam, or equivalent), generating complex toolpaths and G-code for 3- and 5-axis work. Demonstrated ability to build and own quoting, material planning, and production scheduling. Proven experience assessing manufacturability and technical risk, developing accurate labor/material estimates, and making no-bid or alternate-solution calls. Prior leadership, supervisory, training, or mentoring experience in a machine shop. Strong command of GD&T, engineering drawings, machining methods, tooling, fixturing, workholding, and inspection practices. Proficiency with precision inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, CMMs) and with ERP/MRP or job-tracking systems; advanced Excel. Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems — inspection, traceability, and documentation. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in aerospace, defense, medical, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments. Prior responsibility for departmental budgets, procurement, tooling inventory, or capital equipment recommendations. Experience implementing automation, lean, or other initiatives to improve machining output and efficiency. Your safety matters to us. To protect yourself from potential scams, remember that Eleven recruiters only contact you from @ elevenrecruiting.com email addresses. Be cautious of emails from other domains. Legitimate Eleven recruiters will never ask for money, fees, or banking information before your first day. If you're ever unsure about a communication, don't click any links—visit directly for confirmed position openings. #J-18808-Ljbffr