Machine Shop Manager

MACHINE SHOP MANAGERCNC Programming, Setup & Shop Operations Location: Mooresville, NC – just north of Charlotte Position: Full-time Salary: $100,000+ depending on experience and qualifications About IST Precision IST Precision develops advanced automation platforms, precision instrumentation, and custom machine systems used across telecommunications, space, life sciences, and high-end manufacturing. We are expanding our in-house machining capabilities to support both prototype development and low-volume production. We are looking for an experienced Machine Shop Manager who can take ownership of the day-to-day operation and continued growth of our machine shop. This is a hands-on leadership position. The ideal candidate will be an experienced CNC machinist who can program, set up, and operate machines while also managing the people, processes, materials, equipment, and priorities necessary to build a successful and growing machine shop.We are not a job shop, we make parts for our own designs. About the Role The Machine Shop Manager will be responsible for all aspects of operating and developing a small, growing machine shop . This includes planning and scheduling work, programming and setting up and maintainingCNC equipment, managing materials and tooling, maintaining quality standards, working with engineering, and developing the capabilities of the shop. As the company grows, this position will also be responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, mentoring, and developing additional machine shop personnel , including CNC machine setup operators. This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys both making parts and building a shop . You will have significant influence over how the machine shop operates, the equipment and processes we implement, and the people we bring onto the team. Key ResponsibilitiesMachine Shop Management Take ownership of the overall operation and performance of the machine shop. Plan, prioritize, and execute the daily and weekly production schedule. Manage machining priorities based on engineering, prototype, and production requirements. Develop and implement processes that improve shop efficiency, quality, and capacity. Establish and maintain organized, safe, and professional shop practices. Monitor machine utilization, capacity, workflow, and production requirements. Identify equipment, tooling, software, and process improvements needed to support company growth. Help develop long-term plans for expanding machine shop capabilities and capacity. Coordinate maintenance and upkeep of CNC machines, tooling, and shop equipment. Maintain appropriate levels of raw material, tooling, consumables, and other shop supplies. CNC Programming, Setup & Machining Program, set up, and operate CNC milling machines, including 3-axis and 5-axis equipment. Develop machining strategies for prototype and low-volume production work. Use CAM software such as Mastercam to develop and optimize CNC programs. Independently complete complex machine setups with minimal supervision. Select tooling and establish feeds and speeds to optimize machining performance. Machine precision components primarily from aluminum, stainless steel, and other common engineering materials. Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and technical documentation. Inspect completed components using precision measurement equipment. Maintain tight tolerances and ensure parts meet engineering requirements. Troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, and setup issues. Work closely with engineers to identify and resolve design‑for‑manufacturing and machining challenges. Hiring, Training & Team Development Recruit and interview candidates for machine shop positions as the shop expands. Hire and onboard qualified CNC machine setup operators and other shop personnel. Develop training plans and establish clear expectations for new employees. Train and mentor new machine setup operators in machining practices, machine operation, setups, tooling, inspection, and shop procedures. Provide hands‑on coaching and technical guidance to less‑experienced machinists. Develop employees’ skills and help create opportunities for advancement as the company grows. Establish consistent work practices and quality expectations across the machine shop. Provide leadership and accountability while maintaining a positive, team‑oriented work environment. Engineering & Production Support Work directly with engineers on prototype and production components. Review new parts and designs for manufacturability, tooling requirements, and machining approach. Provide feedback to engineering regarding tolerances, materials, machining processes, and design improvements. Support prototype builds and low-volume production of complex components. Help establish realistic machining times and production requirements. Coordinate machining activities with the broader manufacturing and engineering teams. Required Qualifications 8+ years of CNC machining experience, with CNC milling experience required. Demonstrated ability to independently program, set up, and operate CNC milling machines. Strong experience with CNC programming, machine setup, and machining processes. Experience with both 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machining. Proficiency with CAM software; Mastercam preferred. Strong understanding of G-code, tooling, feeds and speeds, and machining fundamentals. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and GD&T. Experience holding tight tolerances on precision components. Strong knowledge of tooling selection and machining strategies. Proficiency with precision measurement equipment. Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions. Strong communication and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, or lead other machinists or machine operators. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience managing or leading a small machine shop. Experience hiring, training, and developing machinists or machine setup operators. Experience with Haas CNC machines. Experience with Mastercam and/or CIMCO Editor. Experience with manual or conversational mills, including Bridgeport-style machines. Experience in prototype, low-volume, high-mix machining environments. Experience establishing machining processes and shop procedures. Experience purchasing tooling, materials, and machining supplies. Experience planning production schedules and managing competing priorities. What We’re Looking For We are looking for someone who wants to build something , not simply operate a machine. The successful candidate will be a highly experienced machinist who is also comfortable taking ownership of a growing operation. You should enjoy solving problems, teaching others, improving processes, and making decisions that help the shop become more capable and efficient. You should be comfortable moving between the machine, the engineering department, the production schedule, and the people you are responsible for developing. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who takes pride in their work and wants to build the machine shop, build the team, and build the capabilities of IST Precision. Why IST Precision Work on cutting-edge systems across automation, space, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Be part of a vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing team. Work directly with engineers on complex, high-value systems. Help establish and grow an in-house machining operation. Have a direct impact on the equipment, processes, and people that make up the machine shop. Opportunity to build and lead a team as the company grows. Growing company with strong technical leadership and a collaborative culture. Culture & Benefits IST Precision offers a competitive salary and benefits package, along with the opportunity to work with a talented team of engineers and manufacturing professionals in a fast-paced and challenging environment. Benefits include: 401(k) 401(k) matching 401(k) bonus End of year bonus Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance #J-18808-Ljbffr