| Location | Santa Ana, CA |
JOB TITLE: Machine Shop Manager
LOCATION:Santa Ana, CA
PAY RATE: $62.50/hour
We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.
Job Details:
Job Type: Contract (12 months with potential for extension)
Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance
Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)
Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier
Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.
Qualifying Questions:
Are you a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance?
Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?
Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?
Summary:
Takes full ownership of end-to-end machine shop production and monitors KPIs for quality, throughput, cost, and delivery.
Reviews quote requests and builds accurate labor, material, tooling, and machine-time estimates.
Assesses manufacturability, technical risk, and no-bid or alternate-solution opportunities.
Selects materials, tooling, fixtures, machining methods, and work holding for each job.
Generates CAM toolpaths and G-code for 3-axis and 5-axis indexed CNC equipment.
Sets up and operates manual and CNC equipment for complex, high-tolerance, prototype, and production parts.
Performs and oversees in-process and final inspection using calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and other precision equipment.
Maintains quality, traceability, inspection, and production documentation in line with ISO 9001 and AS9100.
Manages ERP configuration and transactions including work order releases, BOMs, routers, labor tracking, and quality records.
Supervises, develops, and mentors machinists and CNC operators, building a culture of quality, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Requirements:
Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.
Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).
Hands-on experience across both composite manufacturing and CNC mill machining.
7+ years of machining experience across manual and CNC equipment, including a CNC mill environment.
Strong CAM programming and machine setup experience (Fusion 360, Mastercam, or equivalent), generating complex toolpaths and G-code for 3- and 5-axis work.
Demonstrated ability to build and own quoting, material planning, and production scheduling.
Proven experience assessing manufacturability and technical risk, developing accurate labor/material estimates, and making no-bid or alternate-solution calls.
Prior leadership, supervisory, training, or mentoring experience in a machine shop.
Strong command of GD&T, engineering drawings, machining methods, tooling, fixturing, work holding, and inspection practices.
Proficiency with precision inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, CMMs) and ERP/MRP or job-tracking systems.
Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems including inspection, traceability, and documentation.
About Us:
The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.
As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.
Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense
Take your career to new heights—apply today!
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