Machining Department Manager

Machining Department Manager – 1st Shift

Location: 4725 Green Park Road, St. Louis, MO 63123

Shift: 1st Shift, Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM–3:00 PM

Company: Wilson Manufacturing

About Wilson Manufacturing

Wilson Manufacturing is a family-owned business headquartered right here in St. Louis since 1979. Located in the heart of South County, we employ more than 180 people across three facilities and sell quality rotary cutting tools around the globe.

Our work can be found in grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, appliance stores, and car dealerships. Our products are used to print and die-cut labels, bandages, gaskets, seals, packages, and many other products people use every day.

Position Summary

The Machining Department Manager is responsible for the daily operation and performance of the machining department on 1st shift. This position will supervise and support machinists performing precision machining work, coordinate workflow, monitor quality and productivity, troubleshoot machining issues, and ensure jobs are completed safely, accurately, and on schedule.

This is a working manager position. The successful candidate must be comfortable performing machining duties alongside the team when needed, including setting up and operating manual mills and lathes and fabricating one-off parts and tooling.

The Manager will serve as a key connection between the machining department, production management, engineering, and other departments within the company.

Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Lead, supervise, and support the 1st-shift machining team.
• Assign work and prioritize jobs based on production schedules, deadlines, and department needs.
• Monitor employee performance, productivity, attendance, and work quality.
• Train, coach, and develop machinists to improve technical skills and overall performance.
• Provide clear direction, expectations, and feedback to department employees.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and development of machining personnel.
• Address employee performance issues in accordance with company policies and management direction.
• Maintain effective communication with management and other departments regarding production status and issues.

Machining & Production

• Set up and operate manual mills, manual lathes, and other machine shop equipment.
• Review samples, engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and work instructions to determine job requirements.
• Plan the sequence of operations necessary to complete machining jobs efficiently and accurately.
• Determine appropriate tooling, speeds, feeds, and machining methods.
• Take measurements and mark materials accurately for cutting and machining.
• Fabricate, modify, and repair precision parts, tools, fixtures, and equipment.
• Produce one-off and custom parts when required to support production and maintenance needs.
• Troubleshoot machining problems and assist employees in determining appropriate solutions.
• Inspect completed work to ensure it meets specifications and quality requirements.
• Ensure production schedules and department priorities are communicated and followed.
• Identify opportunities to improve machining processes, efficiency, quality, and throughput.

Quality & Safety

• Maintain high standards for workmanship, dimensional accuracy, and product quality.
• Ensure employees follow established work instructions, safety procedures, and company policies.
• Promote a safety-first culture throughout the department.
• Identify and address unsafe working conditions or practices.
• Ensure proper use and care of machines, tools, measuring equipment, and personal protective equipment.
• Support quality-control procedures and help investigate and resolve quality issues.
• Ensure department housekeeping and organization standards are maintained.

Equipment & Maintenance

• Ensure routine daily maintenance is performed on department equipment.
• Monitor machine condition and report maintenance issues promptly.
• Assist with troubleshooting machine and tooling problems.
• Ensure tools, equipment, and work areas are properly maintained and organized.
• Help identify equipment, tooling, or process improvements that could increase efficiency or reliability.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience as a machinist, with strong manual machining experience.
• Demonstrated ability to set up and operate manual mills and manual lathes.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and work instructions.
• Proficient in the use of precision measuring equipment, including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges and other inspection tools.
• Strong understanding of machining practices, including speeds, feeds, tooling, and material properties.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Ability to fabricate parts, tools, fixtures, and other components as needed.
• Ability to troubleshoot machining and production problems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to organize work and effectively prioritize multiple jobs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or mentoring experience preferred.
• Ability to train and develop less-experienced machinists.
• Ability to hold employees accountable while maintaining a positive and respectful work environment.
• Strong work ethic and dependable attendance.
• Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team.
• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training, apprenticeship, or technical education is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.
• Must have basic machining tools.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who can lead from the shop floor. You should be an experienced machinist who understands the challenges of manual machining and can step in to help the team when necessary.

We are looking for a leader who:

• Leads by example.
• Takes ownership of department performance.
• Holds high standards for quality and workmanship.
• Can effectively train and mentor machinists.
• Communicates clearly and professionally.
• Can make sound decisions when problems arise.
• Keeps employees focused on production priorities.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized department.
• Is willing to get their hands dirty and perform machining work when needed.
• Is committed to continuous improvement.
• Builds a strong, respectful, and accountable team.

Schedule

1st Shift, Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM–3:00 PM

This is a full-time position with responsibility for managing the machining department during 1st-shift operations.

Benefits

Wilson Manufacturing offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid on-the-job training
• Temperature-controlled building year-round
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Accident insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid time off
• Personal time off
• In-house wellness program

Learn More About Wilson Manufacturing

To get a better understanding of what we do at Wilson Manufacturing, visit our About Us page at https://www.wilsonmfg.com/about/

How to Apply

There are three ways to apply:

• Apply through this job posting.
• Visit the Wilson Manufacturing website and apply through our Careers page.
• Stop by our facility and complete an application in person, Monday–Friday between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Wilson Manufacturing is proud to be a family-owned St. Louis company and is looking for a hands-on leader who wants to grow with our team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• Machinist: 10 years (Required)
• Manual/Conventional Lathe and Mill: 5 years (Required)
• Managerial: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $45