What are the responsibilities and job description for the Machine Shop Supervisor position at FTS Inc?
Machine Shop Supervisor
About the Role:
The Machine Shop Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the machine shop to ensure production demands, quality standards, and delivery commitments are consistently met. This role is focused on setting priorities, supporting execution, and making sure all work is completed efficiently and safely.
This position manages the machining of production parts, prototypes, and tooling within a low-volume, tight-tolerance environment. It requires strong technical expertise in both CNC and manual machining, including Swiss lathe operations and CNC programming, to provide guidance, assist with troubleshooting, and ensure high-quality results.
The role is accountable for overall production output, quality, and on-time delivery within the machine shop, while also supporting team development and driving continuous improvement across shop floor processes and performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily machine shop operations and execute production schedules to meet quality and delivery requirements
- Set priorities, allocate resources, and manage workflow based on production needs and overall business impact
- Provide technical leadership across machining operations, including CNC programming, machine setup, and process optimization
- Ensure all machining work meets required specifications, tolerances, and quality standards
- Identify and select appropriate tooling, materials, and machining methods to support production needs
- Monitor machining performance and process conditions to maintain efficiency and quality
- Promote and uphold a strong safety culture, ensuring adherence to all safety policies and procedures
- Take ownership of production performance, capacity, and output—including scrap and rework—and implement corrective actions as needed
- Lead, coach, and hold machinists accountable for performance, quality, safety, and execution
- Plan and adjust staffing levels and workload to meet production demands
- Drive continuous improvement efforts, including enhancements to production flow, standard work, and shop floor processes
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams to support production, tooling, process improvements, and job estimation
- Assist in the design and development of fixtures, tooling, and prototype components
- Provide hands-on support with machining activities as needed, including setup, operation, and finishing processes
- Ensure the availability of tools, materials, and resources required for production
- Manage timecards and support performance management, addressing issues as needed
- Ensure effective implementation of engineering changes (ECOs) and escalate quality or equipment concerns when appropriate
Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or certification in machining, manufacturing, or a related field is preferred
- 10 years of experience in machining within a precision manufacturing environment, including both CNC and manual machining
- 5 years of experience leading machinists or production teams in a manufacturing setting
- Proven experience programming CNC machines using MasterCam
- Strong hands-on experience with CNC mills, lathes, Swiss lathe machine centers, and manual machining equipment
- Experience working in a low-volume, tight-tolerance manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated success in driving process improvements, establishing standard work, and supporting shop floor performance
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Strong understanding of machining principles, tooling, materials, and precision manufacturing processes
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and process documentation
- Proficiency with precision measurement tools and inspection methods
- Solid foundation in machining-related math, including geometry and trigonometry
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve machining and process issues
- Ability to lead teams, prioritize tasks, and hold employees accountable for performance, quality, and safety
- Capable of managing multiple priorities and making decisions in a fast-paced production environment
- Effective communication skills when working with operators, engineers, and cross-functional teams
- Basic computer proficiency for reporting, documentation, and communication
- Understanding of machine shop maintenance, organization, and housekeeping best practices
Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
- Work is performed in a machine shop environment with frequent exposure to operating machinery, including CNC mills, lathes, Swiss lathes, and manual equipment
- Exposure to moving mechanical parts, rotating equipment, sharp cutting tools, metal shavings, noise, and vibration
- Regular interaction with oils, coolants, dust, and other machining-related substances
- Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and other necessary gear
- Frequent standing, walking, and working in close proximity to active machinery
- Regular use of hands for handling tools, materials, gauges, and equipment
- Ability to safely lift, move, and position materials and components as needed
- Requires strong situational awareness and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent injury to self and others
Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $80,000 - $95,000