CNC Machine Shop Manager – Aerospace Manufacturing

CNC Process Line Development & Startup

Lead the end-to-end establishment of a new CNC machining production line from concept through production readiness.
Develop facility layout, workflow design, machine placement, and material flow strategies to maximize throughput and efficiency.
Support capital equipment selection, procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation.
Develop standard work, process flows, setup sheets, and production documentation.
Establish machine qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and first article readiness plans.

Production Operations Leadership

Manage day-to-day operations of the CNC machine shop including safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
Drive production planning and capacity management to meet aggressive aerospace program schedules.
Develop KPI dashboards and monitor OEE, scrap, rework, cycle time, and machine utilization.
Lead shift scheduling, labor planning, and staffing strategy.

CNC Programming & Technical Leadership

Provide direct technical leadership in CNC programming (3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis preferred).
Optimize tool paths, cycle times, and cutting strategies for productivity and quality.
Support CAM programming using NX CAM and Fusion 360.
Troubleshoot machining issues including chatter, tolerance drift, tool wear, and fixturing challenges.
Review and approve NC programs, setup documentation, and process improvements.

Aerospace Quality & Compliance

Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and customer-specific aerospace requirements.
Support first article inspection per AS9102.
Develop robust process controls for critical and fracture-critical hardware.
Partner with quality teams on NCR resolution, RCCA, and continuous improvement.

Team Development

Recruit, train, and mentor machinists, programmers, and manufacturing technicians.
Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
Establish skill matrices and development plans.
Continuous Improvement
Implement Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma tools.
Lead kaizen events and cost reduction initiatives.
Drive automation opportunities including probing, tool monitoring, and lights-out machining.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or equivalent experience.
8+ years in CNC machining/manufacturing leadership, preferably in aerospace or defense.
3+ years managing teams in a machine shop environment.
Demonstrated success standing up or significantly scaling CNC operations.
Strong hands-on CNC programming experience (required).
Deep understanding of GD&T and blueprint interpretation.
Experience with precision tolerances (< ±0.001") and exotic aerospace materials (Titanium, Inconel, Aluminum alloys, stainless steels).
Preferred Experience with Mori Seiki, Wells Index & DMG MORI
Experience with NX CAM and post processing.
Experience implementing MES/ERP systems in manufacturing.
Experience with automation/robotic cell integration.
Lean or Six Sigma certification.

Pay

$133,000 - $147,000 / year