Job Description Job Description

Description

Lead the Shop. Develop the Team. Improve the Processes. Build the Future state of the Milwaukee machine shop.

Are you a hands-on machining leader who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges and developing high-performing teams?

We're looking for a Machine Shop Manager to lead our Milwaukee machine shop and help shape its future. This role is ideal for an experienced machinist who has grown into leadership and wants to remain connected to the shop floor while driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.

This is not a desk-only leadership position. You'll spend time where the work happens, supporting machinists, improving processes, solving technical challenges, and creating an environment where people and performance thrive.

Requirements

What Success Looks Like

In this role, your impact will be measured by:

Safe, organized, and efficient shop operations
A highly engaged, accountable, and skilled machining team
Defined, standardized, and continuously improving manufacturing processes
Effective tooling management and inventory control
Improved productivity, quality, and on-time delivery performance
Ongoing development of employee capabilities and technical skills
Strong collaboration between operations, quality, engineering, and production teams

Why Join Us?

Lead a team of talented CNC and manual machinists
Influence the direction and growth of the Milwaukee machine shop
Stay connected to the technical side of machining and manufacturing
Drive meaningful operational improvements and process optimization
Mentor and develop the next generation of machinists
Help establish best practices and future-state manufacturing processes
Join a stable, growing company where your leadership directly impacts results

Key Responsibilities

Shop Leadership

Lead daily machine shop operations with a strong focus on safety, quality, and efficiency
Oversee CNC milling, turning, horizontal machining centers, and manual machining activities
Support machinists with troubleshooting, problem-solving, and process improvements
Balance production priorities while maintaining a positive and accountable team culture
Promote a clean, organized, and professional shop environment

Continuous Improvement

Standardize manufacturing processes and work instructions
Improve setup efficiency, workflow, and machine utilization
Optimize tooling, feeds, speeds, and cycle times
Reduce downtime, scrap, and process variation
Implement Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
Drive measurable productivity and operational excellence improvements

Team Development

Coach, mentor, and develop machinists at all skill levels
Build technical capabilities throughout the department
Conduct performance coaching and training initiatives
Foster accountability, teamwork, and pride in workmanship
Lead by example through a consistent shop-floor presence

Production & Performance

Manage production schedules, labor resources, and workflow priorities
Drive on-time delivery and first-pass quality performance
Coordinate closely with engineering, quality, and operations teams
Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions when necessary
Ensure customer requirements and expectations are consistently met

Tooling & Inventory Management

Develop and maintain effective tooling strategies
Ensure tooling availability and cost control
Improve inventory accuracy and organization
Support equipment maintenance and asset management initiatives

Qualifications

Required

7+ years of precision machining experience
Previous leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience
Strong CNC machining background, including milling and turning
Experience reading blueprints and applying GD&T principles
Deep understanding of tooling, workholding, setups, and tight-tolerance manufacturing
Strong troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving skills
Ability to lead effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Preferred

Experience with horizontal machining centers
FANUC control experience
G-code programming knowledge
CAM programming experience, preferably Mastercam
Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement experience

What Makes You Successful

You are someone who:

Has earned respect because you've done the work yourself
Leads through action, accountability, and technical credibility
Enjoys coaching and developing others
Takes ownership of challenges and drives results
Communicates effectively across all levels of the organization
Constantly looks for ways to improve processes, people, and performance
Is passionate about machining, craftsmanship, and operational excellence

Apply Today

If you're the person others call when the tolerance is tight, the setup is challenging, or the project is critical, we'd like to talk with you.

This is an opportunity to lead a talented team, improve shop performance, develop people, and help build the future state of a growing Milwaukee machine shop. Your leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to continuous improvement will have a lasting impact on our team and our success.

Company Description Company Description

In-Place Machining

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