Machining and Fabrication Manager

Rock Exotica (Thompson Manufacturing, Inc) was founded in 1987 by Rock Thompson, whose passion for rock climbing and inventive spirit led him to build the company from his parent’s garage with a rebuilt WWII milling machine and a groundbreaking product—the Soloist. Since then, Rock Exotica has continued to revolutionize technical equipment for professionals, staying true to its roots of innovation, safety, and quality. Proudly designed, manufactured, and assembled in Utah, USA, we remain committed to pushing boundaries while honoring the craftsmanship that started it all. Join the team that’s redefining safety.

About the role

The Machining and Fabrication Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all machining and fabrication operations to ensure safe, high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective production. This role is accountable for hands-on leadership, operational execution, continuous improvement, and performance management across the machining and fabrication areas and all shifts. The Machining and Fabrication Manager will present key performance indicators (KPIs) to executive leadership and works cross-functionally to support company objectives. This role requires full alignment with EOS Gets It, Wants It and Capacity To Do It principles.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and oversee daily machining and fabrication operations to meet production, quality, and delivery targets.
• Balance safety, quality, productivity, cost, and morale to achieve operational goals.
• Coordinate labor, materials, and equipment to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with Scheduling and Supply Chain to ensure customer orders ship on time.
• Ensure ERP/Epi-Cor data accuracy and timely reporting.
• Monitor machining and fabrication equipment performance and maintenance needs.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance and repairs to reduce downtime.
• Manage departmental expenses, budgets, and cost controls.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and R&D to resolve design, tooling, and fixturing issues that affect machining and fabrication.
• Lead, coach, develop, and hold machining and fabrication team members accountable.
• Provide consistent leadership and direction across day, swing, and graveyard shifts.
• Mentor leads, setup personnel, and operators to build technical capability and a strong leadership pipeline within the team.
• Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, training, performance reviews, employee relations, and corrective action.
• Establish department goals and clearly communicate expectations.
• Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performing work environment.
• Responsible for hiring, scheduling and timecard management in HRIS system (Paylocity).
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and control costs.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and data-driven problem solving.
• Analyze KPIs, scrap, downtime, and efficiency metrics to drive improvement.
• Prepare and present KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, efficiency, and cost.
• Prepare and present weekly and monthly KPI reports to the CEO.
• Communicate operational risks, constraints, and improvement plans to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards, quality systems, and inspection requirements.
• Drive a strong culture of safety and enforce safety policies and PPE requirements.
• Partner with the Safety Committee and Quality team to reduce incidents and defects.
• Follows 5S Methodology.

Requirements

Knowledge:

• ISO 9001
• Lean Manufacturing
• 5S
• Machine Maintenance
• OSHA 10
• Manufacturing workflows
• CNC & Fabrication Processes
• Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Skills:

• Blueprint Reading, Travelers
• ERP (Epi-Cor)
• Microsoft Suite Proficient
• ASANA
• HRIS/Paylocity
• Root cause analysis
• Inventory Control (Kanban)

Abilities:

• Excellent attention to detail
• Work independently or as a Team
• Communicate effectively
• Effective Change Management
• Effective Coaching, Accountability & Leadership Skills
• Conduct GEMBA walks
• Conflict Resolution
• Align department goals with Company EOS values
• Operate within the EOS framework, including department Rocks, Scorecards, and Level 10 meeting cadence

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, prefer business degree or equivalent work experience
• 5+ years of machining/production management experience
• Hands-on CNC machining experience required
• OSHA 10-hour certification
• Experience leading ISO or QMS programs
• Six Sigma certification or training
• Proven track record of taking ownership and driving results
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a manufacturing facility, with CNC machinery, fabrication equipment, tumbling, and other industrial equipment. The employee is regularly exposed to vibrations. Noise levels fluctuate from moderate to high requiring ear protection. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must wear appropriate personal safety protection equipment. This equipment will vary based upon the work location and type of work being performed but often will include safety glasses, closed-toed/heeled shoes, and sometimes may include protective clothing.

Physical Requirements

• Stand, sit, walk, and reach for extended periods of time.
• Use of office equipment.
• Repetitive hand and wrist motions while handling large and small parts.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, reach above and below desk level, talk, hear and communicate accurate information.
• Observe details at a close range.
• Moves items and products weighing up to 40 pounds across short distances.
• Easily move from place to place in a manufacturing facility.
• Adhere to all safety and quality requirements.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision eligible first date of following month hired
• Health Savings Account
• Paid Time Off
• Company provided Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
• Company provided Life Insurance
• Industry Discounts
• Simple IRA Plan with Company 3% Match
• Professional Development Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave (4 weeks after one year of employment)
• Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.