Machining Supervisor – Large Components
Location: Elmwood Park, ILPosition Type: Full-time, On-site
We are seeking a hands-on Machine Shop Foreman / Large-Part Machining Supervisor to lead daily operations in a precision machining environment. This role is ideal for an experienced machinist leader with a strong background in machining large, complex parts using manual and CNC equipment.
The Foreman will be the primary shop-floor leader, responsible for keeping work safe, efficient, on schedule, and within specification. This is a working leadership role: candidates must bring direct, hands-on machining experience with manual lathes, manual mills, boring mills, and CNC machines.
Overview
- Lead, coordinate, and support the daily work of machinists, CNC operators, and shop personnel.
- Plan, prioritize, and schedule machining jobs to meet delivery commitments and maximize shop capacity.
- Develop effective manufacturing methods, including machine selection, workholding, tooling, setups, routing, and job sequencing.
- Oversee the machining of large, complex, and tight-tolerance parts.
- Provide hands-on technical support for setups, troubleshooting, machining challenges, tooling issues, and production problems.
- Review and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, CAD models, tolerances, and job requirements.
- Monitor work in progress to ensure jobs meet quality standards, customer specifications, and production schedules.
- Ensure proper machine setup, safe operation, maintenance practices, and housekeeping standards.
- Coordinate with procurement, outside processing, engineering, quality, project management, and other shop leaders to keep materials and jobs moving.
- Train, coach, evaluate, and develop machinists and shop employees.
- Address attendance, safety, quality, and performance concerns professionally and promptly.
- Lead toolbox talks, enforce OSHA and company safety requirements, and maintain a clean, organized, hazard-free shop.
- Identify and implement improvements in workflow, tooling, setup reduction, quality, machine utilization, and overall shop efficiency.
- Communicate job status, production delays, material issues, and technical concerns proactively to internal stakeholders.
What You Bring
- Proven leadership experience in a machine shop, large-part machining operation, precision manufacturing environment, or similar setting.
- Required hands-on machining experience with:
- Manual lathes
- Manual mills
- Boring mills
- CNC machining equipment
- Demonstrated experience machining large, heavy, complex, and/or tight-tolerance components.
- Strong knowledge of machining methods, setups, workholding, tooling, cutting parameters, inspection requirements, and production planning.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and tight-tolerance requirements.
- Experience planning work, scheduling jobs, routing production, and balancing machine capacity.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, technical judgment, and real-time troubleshooting ability.
- Proven ability to train, mentor, motivate, and hold shop-floor employees accountable.
- Strong organization, communication, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to quality, safety, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement.
What Success Looks Like
- Large, complex parts are machined safely, efficiently, and to customer specifications.
- Production remains on schedule, with issues identified and communicated early.
- The shop operates with strong quality standards, safe work practices, and disciplined organization.
- Machinists receive clear direction, hands-on technical support, coaching, and accountability.
- Workflow, tooling, setups, machine utilization, and shop performance continually improve.
Benefits
- PPO medical insurance; employer pays 50% of employee premium, with dependent coverage available at shared cost
- Dental and vision insurance options
- Two weeks of paid vacation annually
- Annual holiday bonus based on company performance
- Employer-funded profit-sharing plan with 100% company contribution
- 401(k) eligibility after one year
- Tuition reimbursement for job-related education and professional development
- Employee discount program through payroll provider