Machine Shop Manager – Aerospace Precision Machining and Manufacturing

Machine Shop Manager – Aerospace Precision Machining

Location: Euless, TX
Reports to: VP of Operations
Company: Aereos
Industry: Aerospace / Precision Manufacturing
Customers Supported: OEM supply chain

Position Summary

The Machine Shop Manager at Aereos is responsible for leading daily machining operations to deliver high-quality aerospace components on time and to customer requirements. This role requires strong technical capability across CNC mills and lathes, tooling management, machine setups, and programming support, combined with proven leadership and communication skills.

The Machine Shop Manager ensures the shop runs safely, efficiently, and with discipline—driving accountability, throughput, quality, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Shop Leadership & Daily Execution

• Lead day-to-day machine shop operations across CNC mills and lathes
• Drive daily priorities to meet production schedules and customer delivery commitments
• Coordinate labor, machines, and job sequencing to maximize output and minimize downtime
• Maintain strong shop-floor presence and direct communication with machinists and leads

2. CNC Machining Oversight (Mills & Lathes)

• Ensure machining processes are stable, repeatable, and aligned to aerospace requirements
• Support and verify machine setups, fixturing, and first-piece approvals
• Troubleshoot machining challenges related to tooling, programs, materials, and workholding
• Ensure best practices are followed for cutting parameters, tool life, and part consistency

3. Tooling & Consumables Management

• Own tooling strategy to support production reliability and cost control
• Manage tool inventory, tool life monitoring, and replacement planning
• Standardize tooling packages where possible to reduce setup time and variation
• Coordinate with Purchasing/Inventory teams to prevent tooling shortages

4. Setup, Programming & Technical Support

• Provide hands-on guidance for complex setups and prove-outs
• Support CNC programming efforts and collaborate with Engineering/Programming teams
• Ensure programs, setup sheets, and process documentation are accurate and followed
• Improve cycle times and reduce scrap through machining optimization

5. Quality & Compliance Support

• Ensure machining output meets print requirements and customer expectations
• Partner with Quality to support:
  • First Article readiness
  • Nonconformance reduction
  • Root cause and corrective actions
• Maintain a culture where quality is built into the process—not inspected in later

6. Team Development & Accountability

• Lead, coach, and develop machinists and shop personnel
• Establish clear expectations for performance, attendance, and workmanship
• Support training and skill progression for future machinists and programmers
• Hold the team accountable through consistent standards and follow-through

7. Continuous Improvement

• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and recurring issues impacting delivery or quality
• Drive improvements in:
  • Setup reduction
  • Tooling standardization
  • Work instructions and job travelers
  • Scrap and rework reduction
• Promote 5S, organization, and clean workflow habits across the shop

8. Safety & Equipment Care

• Ensure safe operation of machines, tooling, and shop equipment
• Enforce safety standards and support lockout/tagout and machine guarding practices
• Partner with Maintenance to support PM schedules and reduce unplanned downtime
• Maintain clean, organized, and professional shop conditions

Decision Authority

• Assign daily shop priorities and labor allocation
• Approve setup readiness and machining approach for production jobs
• Recommend tooling, fixture, and process improvements
• Escalate production risks impacting delivery, quality, or safety

Measures of Success

• On-time delivery performance improves
• Scrap and rework decrease
• Setup time and changeover efficiency improve
• Tooling availability and reliability improve
• Stable output across mills and lathes with fewer disruptions
• Strong communication between Shop, Engineering, Quality, and Operations
• Increased bench strength through training and development

Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years in CNC machining environments (aerospace strongly preferred)
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • CNC mills and lathes
  • Tooling selection and management
  • Machine setups and prove-outs
  • Programming support (G-code / CAM understanding)
• Previous leadership experience (Supervisor, Lead, or Manager)
• Experience working with tight-tolerance aerospace components and OEM requirements

Required Attributes

• Strong leadership presence with a calm, disciplined approach
• Excellent communication skills (shop floor to leadership)
• High accountability and standards-driven mindset
• Hands-on technical capability with the ability to coach others
• Organized, proactive, and production-focused
• Comfortable operating in a high-expectation aerospace environment