Machine Shop Foreman

MBC Talent Connections; Elmwood Park (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid vacation

Holiday bonus

Profit-sharing

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

MBC Talent Connections is seeking an experienced Machine Shop Foreman in Elmwood Park, IL. This hands-on leadership role requires direct machining experience with large, complex parts using manual and CNC equipment on the shop floor.

You will mentor machinists, schedule work, troubleshoot on setups, and drive quality in a precision manufacturing environment. This is a full-time, in-person position focused on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a machine shop or precision manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on machining experience with manual lathes, mills, boring mills, and CNC equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to machine large, heavy, tight-tolerance components.

Responsibilities

• Develop optimal manufacturing methods and plan jobs to meet deadlines while maximizing capacity and efficiency.
• Oversee machining of large/heavy parts; provide hands-on support for setups and troubleshooting.
• Train, coach, and evaluate machinists; conduct performance reviews and address issues promptly.

Skills

Leadership

Hands-on machining

Blueprint interpretation

Communication

Tools

Manual lathes

Manual mills

Boring mills

CNC equipment

Job description

Machine Shop Foreman

Position Type: Full-time, In-person
Location: Elmwood Park, IL

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Machine Shop Foreman to lead our machining operations. This is a working leadership role: the ideal candidate brings direct, hands-on experience machining large, complex parts using manual and CNC equipment - not just shop management experience. You'll thrive here if you excel at mentoring skilled tradespeople, solving technical challenges on the floor, and delivering high-quality work on time in a precision machining environment.

The Foreman oversees all daily shop operations, ensuring production runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently. You'll manage scheduling, monitor job progress, provide hands-on technical support for setups and troubleshooting on large-part jobs, train machinists, and serve as the primary leader on the shop floor. This role is critical to meeting customer expectations and supporting cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Scheduling

• Develop optimal manufacturing methods, including machine selection, workholding, setups, and work routing - with particular attention to the demands of large and complex parts
• Plan and prioritize jobs to meet deadlines while maximizing shop capacity and efficiency
• Coordinate activities of machinists, CNC operators, and shop personnel
• Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, CAD models, and tolerance requirements
• Collaborate with procurement and outside processing coordinators to ensure material readiness

Production & Quality Management

• Oversee the machining of large, heavy, and tight-tolerance parts, providing hands-on support with manual lathes, manual mills, boring mills, and CNC equipment as needed
• Ensure all machining processes meet tight tolerances and quality specifications
• Troubleshoot tooling, equipment, and production issues in real time, including workholding and setup challenges specific to oversized components
• Verify proper machine setup, operation, and maintenance standards
• Coordinate with other shop division leads as needed
• Monitor work-in-progress to maintain quality and schedule adherence

Leadership & Team Development

• Train, coach, and evaluate machinists and shop personnel
• Provide constructive feedback and conduct annual performance reviews
• Address attendance, safety, and performance issues promptly and professionally
• Build and maintain a high-performing shop culture

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all safety policies and OSHA requirements
• Conduct toolbox talks and post-incident reviews
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free work areas, with attention to safe handling of large and heavy parts
• Model safe practices and hold the team accountable

Communication & Continuous Improvement

• Provide timely updates to project managers, engineers, and office staff
• Communicate delays, challenges, or material issues promptly
• Recommend efficiency improvements, new tooling, and process innovations
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to optimize workflows

What You Bring

• Proven leadership experience in a machine shop or precision manufacturing environment
• Required hands-on machining experience with manual lathes, manual mills, boring mills, and CNC equipment
• Demonstrated experience machining large, heavy, and/or tight-tolerance components
• High mechanical aptitude and demonstrated machining expertise
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Sharp attention to detail and quality standards
• Confidence making sound decisions under pressure
• Clear, professional communication skills across all organizational levels
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and CAD models

What Success Looks Like

• Large and complex jobs are completed on time, per specification, and without quality issues
• Project managers and engineers receive clear, timely communication
• Machinists feel supported, well-trained, and held to high performance standards
• A safe, efficient, well-organized shop environment
• Measurable continuous improvements to processes, efficiency, and workflow

Benefits

• Health Insurance: PPO plan with employer covering 50% of employee premiums; dependent coverage available at shared cost
• Dental Insurance: Optional coverage available; employee-paid
• Vision Insurance: Vision plan available
• Two weeks of paid vacation annually
• Annual holiday bonus based on company performance
• Employer-funded profit-sharing plan with 100% company contribution
• 401(k) plan available after one year of employment
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related education and professional development
• Employee discounts through payroll provider