Finishing Department Manager

Atlas Gunworks; Shelburne (VT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Exclusive employee perks

Wellness program

Bonus program

Job summary

Atlas Gunworks is seeking a hands-on Finishing Department Manager to lead tumbling, blasting, sanding, polishing, and coating operations. You will manage and develop the finishing team, enforce exacting quality standards, and drive process improvements to meet production demands.

In this role you will partner with production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure every firearm meets Atlas Gunworks' finish criteria, while guiding safety and housekeeping and reporting on metrics.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in manufacturing, machining, gunsmithing, or finishing operations with supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of tumbling, blasting, sanding, polishing, anodizing/coating.
• Proven ability to train and hold teams accountable to quality and production standards.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Clear communicator across departments and vendors.
• Detail-oriented in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Train, schedule, and supervise Finishing Specialists, Finishing Technicians, and staff.
• Manage daily workflow across tumbling, blasting, sanding, polishing, and coating to meet schedules.
• Enforce quality specs for fit and finish; oversee self-inspection.
• Develop and test new finishing methods, recipes, SOPs.
• Coordinate with outside vendors for coating, anodizing; oversee maintenance and supplies.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, quality teams to troubleshoot.
• Set goals, conduct performance reviews, support staff growth.
• Maintain records and report on output, quality, progress.
• Ensure safety and housekeeping compliance.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Finishing processes

Team leadership

Quality assurance

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Tools

SOP documentation

Job description

Atlas Gunworks is an industry leader in the premium handgun market. We've grown rapidly by bringing fresh thinking and higher quality standards to a historic industry.

Every Atlas gun is machined from billet aluminum and steel. We combine the art of hand metal working with our state-of-the-art, multi-axis CNC machine shop.

Position Summary

The Finishing Department Manager leads all finishing operations at Atlas Gunworks, including tumbling, blasting, sanding, polishing, and coating. You'll manage and develop the finishing team, hold the department to exacting quality standards, and drive the process improvements needed to keep pace with production demands. This role combines hands‑on operational leadership with process ownership, working closely with production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure every firearm meets Atlas Gunworks' standard of fit and finish.

What You’ll Do

• Team Leadership: Train, schedule, and supervise Finishing Specialists, Finishing Technicians, and other department staff.
• Production Oversight: Manage daily workflow across tumbling, blasting, sanding, polishing, and coating operations to meet production schedules and quality targets.
• Quality Assurance: Enforce quality specifications for fit and finish; oversee self-inspection practices and resolve non-conformances.
• Process Improvement: Partner with the Finishing Process & Project Manager to develop, test, and roll out new finishing methods, recipes, and standard operating procedures.
• Vendor & Resource Management: Coordinate with outside vendors for coating, anodizing, and other outsourced finishing services; oversee equipment maintenance and supply needs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with production, engineering, and quality teams to troubleshoot issues and implement process changes.
• Performance Management: Set goals, conduct performance reviews, and support the growth of department staff.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain department records, track key metrics, and report on production output, quality, and project progress.
• Safety & Housekeeping: Ensure the department follows safety protocols and keeps work areas clean and organized.

What We’re Looking For

Our ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader who knows the craft, holds a high bar for quality, and can build and develop a strong team. Here’s what you’ll need to succeed:

Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, machining, gunsmithing, or finishing operations, including prior supervisory or lead experience.
• Working knowledge of metal finishing processes: tumbling, blasting, sanding, polishing, and anodizing/coating.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and hold a team accountable to quality and production standards.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Clear communicator who can coordinate effectively across departments and with outside vendors.
• Comfortable problem-solving and adapting priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Visual acuity and attention to detail—every millimeter matters.

Preferred Traits

• Experience in firearms manufacturing or another precision manufacturing industry.
• Familiarity with process documentation, SOPs, and continuous improvement methods.
• Track record of developing technicians and specialists into more advanced roles.

Why Join Us?

At Atlas Gunworks, we believe in rewarding hard work and dedication. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

• 401(k) Match: Up to 5% contribution
• Exclusive Employee Perks: Company events, purchase discounts, and more.
• Wellness Support: Gym and access to a personal trainer and weekly Occupational Therapy
• Bonus Program: Quarterly incentives to earn bonuses

Grow With Us

• This role is an opportunity to lead a growing department at one of the fastest-moving names in premium handguns, and to shape how finishing is done here for years to come. Success in this role can lead to broader operations leadership opportunities within Atlas Gunworks.