Job Description

Job Description

Machine Shop Manager

Location: Elmwood Park, IL

Position Type: Full-time, On-site

We are seeking a hands-on Machine Shop Foreman / Large-Part Machining Supervisor to lead daily operations in a precision machining environment. This role is ideal for an experienced machinist leader with a strong background in machining large, complex parts using manual and CNC equipment.

The Foreman will be the primary shop-floor leader, responsible for keeping work safe, efficient, on schedule, and within specification. This is a working leadership role: candidates must bring direct, hands-on machining experience with manual lathes, manual mills, boring mills, and CNC machines.

Overview

• Lead, coordinate, and support the daily work of machinists, CNC operators, and shop personnel.
• Plan, prioritize, and schedule machining jobs to meet delivery commitments and maximize shop capacity.
• Develop effective manufacturing methods, including machine selection, workholding, tooling, setups, routing, and job sequencing.
• Oversee the machining of large, complex, and tight-tolerance parts.
• Provide hands-on technical support for setups, troubleshooting, machining challenges, tooling issues, and production problems.
• Review and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, CAD models, tolerances, and job requirements.
• Monitor work in progress to ensure jobs meet quality standards, customer specifications, and production schedules.
• Ensure proper machine setup, safe operation, maintenance practices, and housekeeping standards.
• Coordinate with procurement, outside processing, engineering, quality, project management, and other shop leaders to keep materials and jobs moving.
• Train, coach, evaluate, and develop machinists and shop employees.
• Address attendance, safety, quality, and performance concerns professionally and promptly.
• Lead toolbox talks, enforce OSHA and company safety requirements, and maintain a clean, organized, hazard-free shop.
• Identify and implement improvements in workflow, tooling, setup reduction, quality, machine utilization, and overall shop efficiency.
• Communicate job status, production delays, material issues, and technical concerns proactively to internal stakeholders.

What You Bring

• Proven leadership experience in a machine shop, large-part machining operation, precision manufacturing environment, or similar setting.
• Required hands-on machining experience with:
• Manual lathes
• Manual mills
• Boring mills
• CNC machining equipment
• Demonstrated experience machining large, heavy, complex, and/or tight-tolerance components.
• Strong knowledge of machining methods, setups, workholding, tooling, cutting parameters, inspection requirements, and production planning.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and tight-tolerance requirements.
• Experience planning work, scheduling jobs, routing production, and balancing machine capacity.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, technical judgment, and real-time troubleshooting ability.
• Proven ability to train, mentor, motivate, and hold shop-floor employees accountable.
• Strong organization, communication, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to quality, safety, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement.

What Success Looks Like

• Large, complex parts are machined safely, efficiently, and to customer specifications.
• Production remains on schedule, with issues identified and communicated early.
• The shop operates with strong quality standards, safe work practices, and disciplined organization.
• Machinists receive clear direction, hands-on technical support, coaching, and accountability.
• Workflow, tooling, setups, machine utilization, and shop performance continually improve.

Benefits

• PPO medical insurance; employer pays 50% of employee premium, with dependent coverage available at shared cost
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Two weeks of paid vacation annually
• Annual holiday bonus based on company performance
• Employer-funded profit-sharing plan with 100% company contribution
• 401(k) eligibility after one year
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related education and professional development
• Employee discount program through payroll provider

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