Job Description: Machining Manager
Reports to: Operations Manager
Employment type: Non-Exempt

Position Overview:

This role is key in optimizing machining processes, ensuring efficient production, and maintaining high-quality standards. The candidate will be responsible for assisting with quoting and estimating jobs, reviewing customer prints, and supporting CNC programming efforts. They will also lead training efforts for machinists, serve as the main point of contact for quality concerns, and collaborate with various departments to ensure smooth project execution. The role also involves troubleshooting, process improvement, and ensuring safety compliance while maintaining accurate records for continuous development.

Responsibilities:

  • Analyze and optimize machining processes to improve efficiency, reduce cycle times, and increase quality.
  • Assist with estimating and quoting new and repeat machining jobs, including time studies and material evaluations.
  • Review customer prints and CAD models to determine the best machining strategies and tooling.
  • Support CNC programming efforts, including toolpath optimization and setup sheet creation.
  • Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure seamless project execution.
  • Train machinists on optimized processes, tooling strategies, and best practices.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for quality concerns within the machining department.
  • Identify opportunities for cost reduction and continuous improvement on the shop floor.
  • Interface with customers on technical questions related to machining capabilities, processes, and job requirements.
  • Maintain accurate records of process improvements and quoting documentation.
  • Provide input for machine/tooling purchases and capacity planning based on job requirements.
  • Quality Control: Use precision measurement devices such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges to monitor the production process to verify that products meet the required dimensions and tolerances. Make necessary adjustments to machine settings if deviations are detected.
  • Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines on the production floor. Maintain a clean and organized work area to minimize safety hazards.
  • Problem Solving: Troubleshoot any issues that arise during the machining process, such as machine malfunctions or irregularities in the machining process. Collaborate with supervisors and maintenance personnel to resolve problems promptly.
  • Documentation: Maintain accurate records of production output, scrap, and any issues encountered during the machining process. Provide feedback to supervisors and engineering teams for process improvement.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

  • Associate’s degree in CNC Programming, Advanced Manufacturing Technology OR 10+ years of experience in CNC Machining Programming
  • 3+ years of experience in a CNC machining environment.
  • Strong understanding of G-code, CAM software, tooling, and fixturing.
  • Familiarity with quoting software or ERP systems is a plus.
  • Sales or customer-facing experience in a technical or machining-related role is a bonus. 
  • Strong understanding of engineering drawings, blueprints, and geometric tolerances.
  • Ability to perform accurate measurements using various tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and a keen attention to detail.
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
  • Prioritization skills to manage multiple tasks and meet production deadlines.
  • Adherence to safety protocols and a commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

Travel Requirements: 

This position is expected to support welding programs and personnel at other company locations, which will require overnight travel. While the goal is for this travel to occur once quarterly, actual frequency may vary based on business needs and could occasionally be more frequent. 

(ADA) Minimum Qualifications or Standards Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

  • Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information related to job duties.
  • Language Ability: Requires speaking with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and a well-modulated voice.
  • Intelligence: Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques related to administrative and clerical duties; to make independent judgments without supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
  • Verbal Aptitude: The ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add, subtract, multiply, and divide figures. 
  • Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: talking, expressing, or exchanging ideas through spoken words. (Hearing – perceiving nature of sounds by ear)
  • Physical lifting and movement: Ability to walk or stand 8-12 hours a day. Ability to lift, push, pull or move 50 pounds. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. Manual dexterity for precise adjustments and handling of components.