The Machine Shop Supervisor is responsible for leading daily operations of an aerospace machining department, ensuring precision manufacturing of components and test specimens that meet strict quality, safety, and delivery requirements. This role oversees CNC and manual machining processes, drives operational efficiency, and ensures compliance with aerospace standards and customer specifications.
Key Responsibilities
Shop Floor Leadership
- Supervise daily machine shop operations including CNC milling, turning, grinding, and manual machining
- Coordinate workflow, scheduling, and job prioritization to meet production and testing deadlines
- Monitor work-in-progress (WIP) and ensure on-time completion of parts and test specimens
- Troubleshoot machining issues and provide hands-on technical support when needed
Team Management
- Lead, coach, and develop machinists, programmers, and technicians
- Assign work, manage shift coverage, and ensure proper staffing levels
- Conduct performance evaluations and support skills development (CNC programming, GD&T, etc.)
- Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure all parts meet aerospace standards and specifications (e.g., AS9100, customer drawings, process specs)
- Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T requirements
- Partner with Quality to resolve non-conformances and implement corrective actions
- Maintain compliance with Nadcap (where applicable) and internal quality systems
Process Improvement & Efficiency
- Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives to improve cycle time, reduce scrap, and increase throughput
- Optimize machine utilization, tooling strategies, and setup reduction
- Implement standard work and best practices across machining operations
- Track and report KPIs such as scrap rate, OEE, and on-time delivery
Equipment & Safety
- Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of CNC machines and shop equipment
- Enforce safety procedures, PPE usage, and safe machining practices
- Lead investigations for safety incidents and implement corrective actions
- Maintain a clean, organized, and 5S-compliant shop environment
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production Planning to ensure alignment
- Support new product introduction (NPI) and prototype development
- Collaborate with procurement on tooling and material needs
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent (technical degree or apprenticeship preferred)
- 5–10+ years of machining experience (CNC and manual) in aerospace or precision manufacturing
- 2–5+ years of supervisory or lead experience
- Strong knowledge of machining processes, tooling, and materials (aluminum, titanium, superalloys)
- Ability to read and interpret complex aerospace drawings and GD&T
Preferred
- Experience with AS9100 quality systems
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and shop floor scheduling tools
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification
- CNC programming experience (e.g., Mastercam, GibbsCAM)
