Machine Shop Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY: The Shop Supervisor oversees daily shop operations, directs machinists and support staff, and ensures production flows safely and efficiently, while meeting aerospace and defense quality standards. This role is responsible for coordinating work, supporting setup and machining issues, driving continuous improvement, and acting as the communication hub between the Assistant GM, Planner, Engineer, and the production floor. Successful candidates will be highly organized, technically skilled, and able to lead teams while maintaining a clean, safe, and productive work environment.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Shop Coordination & Leadership

·        Directs daily work activities for machinists, ensuring tasks align with production priorities and schedules.

·        Positions team members based on skill level and workload needs to maximize throughput.

·        Provides guidance, coaching, and troubleshooting support to operators and setup personnel.

·        Ensures communication is maintained between shifts leads, providing handoff priorities.

·        Collaborates closely with the Plant Operations Manager/Assistant GM on staffing, workflow, and operational planning.

·        Perform quarterly and annual performance reviews to reinforce accountability, recognize strengths, and coach employees toward higher performance.

2.      Technical Support & Machining Oversight.

•        Provides advanced technical support for CNC machining issues, tooling, offsets, probing, and setups.

•        Reviews work orders, prints, GD&T, work instructions, and machining parameters to ensure correct execution.

•        Assists with program prove-outs, first-article validation, and tooling/process adjustments.

•        Troubleshoots machine alarms, quality concerns, process deviations, and tool wear issues.

•        Ensures adherence to inspection steps, in-process checks, and serial/lot traceability.

•        Supports cross-training efforts to increase shop flexibility.

3. Production & Schedule Execution

·        Ensures production meets customer delivery dates and quality requirements to maintain 100% OTD and 100% Quality.

·        Aligns labor, equipment, and resources daily to hit daily/weekly/monthly scheduled commitments.

·        Coordinates with the Planner to identify constraints, bottlenecks, or required adjustments.

·        Helps resolve interdepartmental issues affecting flow—programming, quality, materials, tooling, etc.

·        Identifies and implements Continuous Improvement opportunities related to productivity, scrap reduction, and process stability.

4. Training, Development & Performance Guidance

•        Conducts technical onboarding and training for new hires.

•        Provides ongoing skills development, coaching, and feedback to machinists.

•        Provides feedback for quarterly and annual employee performance reviews.

•        Helps maintain a positive, supportive, and engaged shop culture.

5. Tooling & Resource Management

•        Oversees tooling organization, condition, and availability to ensure uninterrupted production.

•        Maintains accurate tool inventory and ensures storage systems are clean and efficient.

•        Works with purchasing and programming to ensure the correct tools are sourced and maintained.

•        Monitor inserts utilization to maximize all edges and meet budget costs.

6. Safety, Compliance & Work Environment

•        Enforces all safety policies, PPE requirements, and OSHA/ISO/AS9100 standards.

•        Leads by example in maintaining a clean, organized work area.

•        Ensures incidents and near-misses are reported and participates in investigations.

•        Ensures all employees follow proper handling of chemicals, equipment, and hazardous processes.

7. Operating Margin / Cost Control

·        Minimizes scrap, rework, downtime, and consumable usage.

·        Identifies inefficiencies and implements corrective actions.

·        Supports margin improvement through process stability and labor utilization.

8. Other Duties

·        Performs other duties as assigned to support the needs of the business.

·        May be required to perform machining, set-ups, inspections, or material handling during high demand periods, staffing shortages, or urgent customer commitments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

·        High School Diploma or GED

·        Minimum 5 years CNC machining experience (setup operation)

·        Strong blueprint/GD&T comprehension

·        Minimum 2 years lead or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment

·        Strong communication and organizational skills

·        Experience with ERP/MRPII Systems (EPICOR preferred)

·        Thorough understanding of AS9100 Quality Systems

·        Experience with Lean Manufacturing tools required

Preferred

•        Advanced technical experience in aerospace and defense CNC machining (turning and milling)

•        Experience with process improvement, tooling management, or scheduling

•        Experience with CNC programming (Mastercam or Esprit)