Machine Shop Manager - Journeyperson

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

Engineering - Launch Systems Full Time Markham, ON $75,000 - $95,000 CAD per year

NordSpace (https://nordspace.com) is a Canadian startup with the mission to advance life on Earth, from space. NordSpace is committed to extremely rapid innovation and development of the most ambitious aerospace projects with the most ambitious team. With divisions spanning everything from space robotics to satellites to rockets, NordSpace is driven to bring space closer to Earth and inspire generations of space explorers.

About the Role:

As a Machine Shop Manager with journeyperson-level machining credentials you will lead day-to-day shop operations. You'll balance hands-on machining expertise with people leadership — running the floor, managing a team of machinists, scheduling work, maintaining quality standards, and keeping equipment and processes running efficiently. This is a working-manager role: you're expected to step onto a machine when needed, not just manage from an office.

Core 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

Qualifications

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

This posting is for an existing vacancy. Thank you to all who apply. Candidates who are successfully selected for an interview will be notified by email.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada and able to obtain and maintain a security assessment under the Controlled Goods Program (Defence Production Act) as a condition of their employment.

Compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion, based on job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, and education and/or training. NordSpace encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations.

NordSpace is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates; all hiring decisions are based on merit and job-related qualifications, without discrimination on any ground protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Accommodations are available on request at any stage of the selection process — please [e-mail].