1st Shift Production Supervisor (precision machining)

Production Supervisor – 1st Shift | Aerospace & Defense Precision Machining

AS9100 Rev D certified, ITAR registered manufacturing. Tier I/II

Location: Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL

Shift: 1st Shift

Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Compensation: Hourly up to $45 with 10+ hours of weekly OT. Est. $120-135k annually

Overview

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Production Supervisor to join a leading aerospace and defense precision machining company in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established, growing manufacturer specializing in complex, tight-tolerance components for demanding industries, including aerospace, defense, space, and medical.

The Production Supervisor will oversee daily manufacturing operations, lead a team of CNC machinists and production personnel, and ensure production goals are achieved while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in CNC machining, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to effectively manage shop floor operations in a fast-paced precision manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily 1st shift production activities, ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery objectives are achieved.
• Lead, coach, and develop CNC machinists, setup personnel, operators, and other manufacturing employees.
• Coordinate production schedules, machine assignments, staffing, and workflow to maximize efficiency and equipment utilization.
• Provide hands-on technical support to troubleshoot machining issues, improve processes, and minimize downtime.
• Oversee CNC milling, turning, and other precision machining operations.
• Monitor production performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements to increase throughput.
• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, CNC Programming, Quality, Maintenance, and Production Planning teams to resolve operational challenges.
• Ensure manufactured components meet engineering specifications, dimensional tolerances, and customer quality requirements.
• Maintain compliance with AS9100 quality standards, company procedures, and applicable aerospace manufacturing requirements.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to quality issues, scrap, rework, and production inefficiencies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives involving cycle time reduction, setup optimization, lean manufacturing, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Monitor employee performance, provide training and development, and promote accountability throughout the department.
• Enforce workplace safety procedures, housekeeping standards, and proper equipment operation.
• Track production metrics, communicate shift performance, and provide regular updates to manufacturing leadership.
• Promote a positive, team-oriented work environment focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC machining or precision manufacturing experience, including supervisory or team leadership responsibilities.
• Strong technical knowledge of CNC milling, turning, setups, tooling, and machining processes.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Experience managing production schedules, personnel, workflow, and shop floor performance.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and continuous improvement skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar quality standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Background with multi-axis CNC machining, horizontal machining centers, or mill/turn equipment.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and lean manufacturing principles.