POSITION SUMMARY
The Machine Shop Manager takes full ownership of machining operations. This is a leadership role for a highly experienced machinist who is also fluent in modern CNC programming, quoting, and quality control. The Machine Shop Manager will be responsible for running the shop—people, parts, and processes.
The Machine Shop Manager will generate quote requests from our sales team and be expected to independently assess risk, set schedule, prepare accurate labor/material estimates, and advise when to decline opportunities. This position will oversee execution: material sourcing, programming, tooling, setups, quality assurance, and delivery—while mentoring junior machinists and operators.
POSITION DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITES
- Develop, oversee, and optimize end-to-end machine shop production processes; monitor KPIs and implement improvements to support quality, throughput, cost, and delivery objectives.
- Serve as the primary authority for machine shop operations, including production planning, scheduling, capacity planning, resource allocation, and tooling needs.
- Review quote requests and develop accurate labor, material, tooling, and machine-time estimates; assess manufacturability, technical risk, and no-bid or alternate-solution opportunities.
- Select appropriate materials, tooling, fixtures, machining methods, and workholding approaches for each job.
- Generate CAM toolpaths and G-code for 3-axis and 5-axis indexed CNC equipment.
- Set up and operate manual and CNC equipment as needed, particularly for complex, high-tolerance, prototype, or production parts.
- Ensure parts are manufactured in accordance with customer specifications, drawings, tolerances, and quality requirements.
- Perform or oversee in-process and final inspections using calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and other measuring equipment; identify nonconformances and direct or perform necessary rework.
- Maintain required quality, traceability, inspection, and production documentation in accordance with ISO 9001, AS9100, and company requirements.
- Identify, source, and procure new or alternative tooling, fixtures, materials, or equipment as needed.
- Ensure production scheduling is aligned with priorities and schedules established by the leadership team.
- Maintain accurate ERP configuration and transactions, including work order releases, BOMs, routers, labor tracking, daily balancing, and quality records.
- Supervise, develop, mentor, and lead machinists and CNC operators to achieve operational objectives and maintain a culture of quality, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machine shop environment.
- Collaborate with leadership to improve shop capabilities, capacity, throughput, automation opportunities, and cost-saving strategies.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement practical solutions.
- Ability to lead, coach, motivate, and hold team members accountable in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Ability to assess manufacturability, machining risk, production capacity, and job profitability.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and tight production deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with sales, customers, leadership, engineering, quality, and production teams.
- Proficiency using CAM software to generate complex toolpaths and G-code for CNC machining equipment.
- Strong knowledge of machining methods, tooling, fixturing, workholding, materials, and inspection practices.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, customer specifications, work instructions, and quality documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills.
- Ability to accurately use and interpret inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and other precision measuring tools.
- Ability to use ERP or job-tracking systems accurately and maintain complete production records.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum of seven years of machining experience using both manual and CNC equipment.
- Extensive experience with CAM software, such as Fusion 360, Mastercam, or equivalent software.
- Extensive experience programming and operating 5-axis machining equipment.
- Demonstrated experience quoting machining jobs, developing estimates, and assessing manufacturability and technical risk.
- Previous leadership, supervisory, training, or mentoring experience in a machine shop environment.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems, inspection processes, traceability, and documentation requirements.
- Experience in aerospace, defense, medical, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Previous responsibility for departmental budgets, procurement, tooling inventory, or capital equipment recommendations.
- Experience using ERP, MRP, or job-tracking software in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience implementing automation, lean improvements, or other initiatives to improve machining output and efficiency.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Requires the ability to move throughout the machine shop and manufacturing areas, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasionally climbing, kneeling, or squatting to observe work, inspect equipment, and support employees.
- Requires close visual acuity to inspect machined parts, review drawings, monitor machining operations, identify safety or quality concerns, and use computer screens and written documentation.
- Requires frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, phones, measuring tools, and other office or manufacturing equipment.
- Must be able to safely work around operating machinery, moving equipment, noise, metal chips, cutting fluids, dust, temperature variations, and other typical machine shop conditions while wearing required personal protective equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position requires an on-site presence. Working conditions include a combination of office and manufacturing environments and may be noisy at times. The employee will regularly work in and around composite manufacturing and machining operations and may be exposed to manufacturing equipment, airborne dust and particulates, resins, adhesives, solvents, temperature variations, and other typical manufacturing conditions. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in designated production areas. Occasional weekend and/or evening work may be required.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT
The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. An individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. The Company will engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process to identify and evaluate reasonable accommodations when appropriate.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Machining: 7 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Gainesville, FL 32608 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Gainesville, FL 32608: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
