Machine Shop Manager

Machine Shop Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Machine Shop Manager owns the performance of Republic Manufacturing’s machining facilities — from production output to setup quality and engineering communication. This role bridges technical machining expertise with operational leadership, serving as the primary connection between Product Engineering, Operations, and the shop floor. The Machine Shop Manager sets the technical direction of the shop, ensures programs and setups are correct and documented, and develops the team’s capability over time, all while meeting production requirements and quality expectations.

The right candidate is equally comfortable reviewing a print with the VP of Product and running a setup on a vertical machining center. Experience in a high-mix, production-volume environment is required. Republic manufactures industrial air-moving equipment (blowers, vacuum pumps, claw pumps) with a mix of aluminum and cast iron components across moderate-to-high run quantities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Management

• Accountable for daily, weekly, and monthly machining output against plan; escalate capacity constraints to GM Ops proactively
• Set scheduling priorities in coordination with the Production Supervisor and Planning; resolve conflicts between jobs
• Own scrap, rework, and first-pass yield for all machined components; investigate root causes and drive corrective action
• Ensure Epicor Kinetic transactions are accurate and timely: labor, work orders, scrap, and completions
• Monitor machine utilization and uptime; coordinate maintenance needs and oversee preventive maintenance compliance

Personnel Leadership

• Directly manage the Production Supervisor (Machining) and senior-level setup machinists; indirect oversight of all machine operators
• Conduct performance reviews, set individual goals, and manage compensation recommendations in coordination with HR and COO
• Lead recruiting and onboarding for all machining roles; define hiring standards and evaluate candidates through working interviews
• Build a structured skills development program for operators using a defined training matrix and certification milestones
• Foster a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement on the shop floor

Engineering & Programming Interface

• Serve as the primary machining technical contact for the VP of Product and the engineering team on new product introductions, ECOs, and DFM reviews
• Review all new part designs for machinability, setup complexity, tooling requirements, and cost impact before release to production
• Own or oversee all CNC programming (Esprit or Mastercam); ensure programs are correct, versioned, and documented before first production run
• Evaluate tooling, fixturing, and workholding strategies for new and existing parts; drive tooling standardization across the shop
• Lead setup reduction and cycle time improvement initiatives; document results with before/after data
• Provide machining cost input on quoting and pricing decisions as requested by the COO or GM Ops

Process Standards & Documentation

• Maintain a complete and current library of setup sheets, work instructions, and inspection references for all machined part numbers
• Ensure all CNC programs are backed up, version-controlled, and accessible to authorized personnel
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures for machine setup, changeover, inspection, and ERP transactions
• Partner with QA on first-article inspection, in-process control plans, and non-conformance resolution

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience in a production (non-prototype) manufacturing environment required
• 3+ years in a management or senior lead role with direct reports required
• 4-year degree in a related field preferred
• Proficiency in CNC programming using Esprit, Mastercam, or equivalent CAM software preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading DFMA reviews and collaborating directly with product engineering teams required
• Experience managing in a high-mix production environment with aluminum and ferrous materials required
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T, engineering drawing interpretation, and inspection methods required
• Proven track record of cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, or cost improvement initiatives with documented results required
• ERP system proficiency for work order management, labor tracking, and inventory transactions required (Epicor Kinetic a plus)
• Experience building or operating within a structured operator training and skills certification program preferred
• Capital equipment evaluation and acquisition experience preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT

On-site in Dallas, Texas. The role divides time between the shop floor and a collaborative office/engineering environment. Core hours align with production shifts; schedule flexibility is expected to support setup review, engineering meetings, and occasional early/late coverage. Physical demands include extended floor presence, machine operation, and occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. PPE is required in all production areas.

INCLUSIVITY

We celebrate an inclusive environment and provide equal opportunity for development and advancement. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran or uniform service member, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state and/or local law.

Direct Reports: Machine Operators (currently 5)

Employment Type: Full-time, Salaried — Monday–Friday 7:30 am to 4:40 pm