Machine Shop Manager

Job Description

Job Description

We are partnering with a precision manufacturer supporting aerospace, defense, medical device, and other mission-critical industries to identify an experienced Machine Shop Manager.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing daily machine shop operations while driving safety, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement across a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate is an experienced machine shop leader who has grown through the machining ranks, understands complex manufacturing at a technical level, and enjoys building high-performing teams while solving difficult production challenges.

Responsibilities:

• Help lead day-to-day machine shop floor operations across machining, programming, quality, and production teams.
• Develop, coach, and mentor machinists, programmers, and manufacturing personnel while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Drive safety, quality, productivity, on-time delivery, and operational performance throughout the facility.
• Partner with manufacturing engineering and programming teams to support new product introductions, process development, first articles, and production launches.
• Remove production bottlenecks by troubleshooting machining, tooling, fixturing, programming, and quality challenges.
• Support automation initiatives including robotic cells, pallet systems, probing technology, and lights-out manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards, inspection requirements, and customer expectations.
• Establish standardized manufacturing processes that improve repeatability, efficiency, and quality.
• Track operational metrics and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction, cycle time improvements, and overall equipment effectiveness.

Requirements

• 15+ years of CNC machining experience with progression into manufacturing leadership.
• Previous experience managing a precision machine shop, production department, or manufacturing operation.
• Strong background in high-mix, low-volume aerospace, defense, medical device, or other precision manufacturing environments.
• Extensive knowledge of 5-axis machining, process development, setup optimization, and production operations.
• Experience leading machinists, programmers, manufacturing engineers, inspectors, and production personnel.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, tooling, fixturing, workholding, probing, offsets, and machining strategy.
• Experience with automation, robotic integration, pallet systems, or lights-out manufacturing preferred.
• Proven ability to improve operational performance through process optimization, coaching, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Ongoing technical training and career advancement