Aerospace Machine Shop Lead — Hands-On Manager

NordSpace Corp; Markham; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

NordSpace is seeking a hands-on Machine Shop Manager in Markham, ON to lead daily shop operations and balance machining expertise with people leadership. This working-manager role requires stepping onto a machine when needed while guiding a team of machinists, apprentices, and shop staff.

You will read blueprints/GD&T, edit CNC programs, ensure quality, enforce safety, and drive lean improvements in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on machining experience (CNC and manual).
• 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Strong knowledge of milling, turning, drilling, grinding, threading.
• Proficiency reading blueprints, GD&T, and technical drawings.
• CNC programming/editing with Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Siemens or similar controls.
• Familiarity with CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidWorks CAM, or similar).
• Working knowledge of precision measurement and quality inspection tools.
• Understanding OSHA/WHMIS and lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong leadership, scheduling, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, or other tight-tolerance environments is a plus.
• Multi-axis CNC (4/5-axis) programming/setup experience.
• Experience with EDM, grinding, or other specialized machining processes.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and supervise daily machine shop operations across CNC, Additive Manufacturing equipment and manual equipment.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate a team of machinists, apprentices, and shop support staff.
• Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and CAD/CAM files; troubleshoot machining processes for mills, lathes, grinders, printers and CNC equipment
• Set up and operate CNC and manual machines (mills, lathes, drill presses, grinders, EDMs) as needed to support production or train staff
• Program, edit, and optimize CNC programs (G-code) for efficiency and part quality
• Enforce quality control procedures; inspect parts using precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, CMM, height gauges).
• Manage schedules, job priorities, and on-time delivery against deadlines.
• Maintain and enforce shop safety standards and compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Oversee tooling, fixture design/selection, and preventive maintenance of equipment.
• Manage material and consumables inventory; coordinate with purchasing on tooling/stock needs.
• Track shop KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Handle hiring, training, performance reviews, and workforce development for shop personnel.
• Investigate and resolve production issues, non-conformances, and equipment downtime

Skills

Hands-on machining

Supervisory experience

Machining processes

Reading blueprints

GD&T

CNC programming/editing

CAM software

Quality inspection

OSHA/WHMIS

Leadership & scheduling

Aerospace/regulated env

Multi-axis CNC (4/5 axis)

EDM/grinding

Tools

Fanuc

Haas

Mazak

Siemens

Mastercam

Fusion 360

SolidWorks CAM

Job description

NordSpace is seeking a hands-on Machine Shop Manager in Markham, ON to lead daily shop operations and balance machining expertise with people leadership. This working-manager role requires stepping onto a machine when needed while guiding a team of machinists, apprentices, and shop staff.

You will read blueprints/GD&T, edit CNC programs, ensure quality, enforce safety, and drive lean improvements in a fast-paced aerospace environment.