Machine Shop Manager

Laborup

  • Birmingham, AL
  • 8 days ago

    Highlights

    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. 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.

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationBirmingham, AL

    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

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