Machine Shop Manager

Aegis Worldwide; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading steel manufacturer in Chicago is seeking a Machine Shop Manager to lead their machining department. This high-impact position offers opportunities for career advancement and involves managing a large team and overseeing production quality and efficiency. Candidates should have significant experience in machining operations, strong leadership skills, and a focus on continuous improvement.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Full benefits package

Career advancement potential

Qualifications

• 5+ years of machining or heavy manufacturing experience.
• In-depth understanding of manual machining and familiarity with CNC operations.
• Ability to manage and inspire a unionized workforce.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations for a large machining department with 70+ machines.
• Supervise and develop a team of 6+ supervisors and a unionized workforce.
• Drive quality assurance initiatives and manage production KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Machining operations

Continuous improvement

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM (SolidWorks preferred)

ERP systems (SAP experience)

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

This range is provided by Aegis Worldwide. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$115,000.00/yr - $130,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from Aegis Worldwide

Machine Shop Manager – Confidential Steel Manufacturer | Chicago, IL

A long-established and highly respected U.S. steel manufacturer is seeking a Machine Shop Manager to lead and grow its machining department at a large-scale production facility located in the Chicago metro area.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity with tremendous visibility, reporting directly to senior plant leadership and overseeing a large team of supervisors and skilled machinists across multiple shifts. The role is well-suited for a hands-on, shop-floor leader with strong experience in machining operations, personnel management, and continuous improvement.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out:

• Influence & Leadership: You'll oversee one of the most critical departments in the plant, managing 6 direct reports and nearly 100 indirect reports. Your leadership will directly impact output, quality, and safety.
• Career Growth: This role offers a clear path to a higher-level superintendent role for those ready to take the next step.
• Cutting-Edge & Custom Production: The operation spans a wide range of manual and CNC machines, producing complex parts for high-performance applications across various industries.
• Stable, Growth-Oriented Employer: This company has been a foundational name in North American manufacturing for over 100 years and is continuing to invest in innovation and talent.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily operations for a large machining department (70+ machines, mostly manual with select CNC).
• Supervise, coach, and develop a team of 6+ supervisors and a unionized workforce across 3 shifts.
• Oversee scheduling, production targets, and KPIs such as cycle time, material removal rates, and tooling costs.
• Drive quality assurance initiatives in coordination with QA teams to meet tight customer specs.
• Champion continuous improvement efforts using lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Collaborate with leadership across procurement, quality, and engineering to align machining performance with broader plant goals.
• Enforce strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all site policies and procedures.

What We’re Looking For:

• 5+ years of machining or heavy manufacturing experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• In-depth understanding of manual machining (lathes, mills, saws) and familiarity with CNC operations.
• Ability to manage and inspire seasoned machinists in a union environment.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM (SolidWorks preferred) and ERP systems (SAP experience is a plus).
• Strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.
• A hands-on, visible leader who spends time on the floor, not just in the office.

Nice to Have:

• CNC programming background
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
• Experience with KPIs, lean manufacturing, and tooling/materials budgeting

Compensation & Schedule:

• Salary range: $115,000–$130,000+ (up to $150,000 for exceptional candidates)
• Schedule: Primarily 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM, with flexibility based on plant needs
• Full benefits package + career advancement potential

Apply now if interested!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Manufacturing and Management

• Industries

  Mining

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Aegis Worldwide by 2x

Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Get notified about new Machine Shop Manager jobs in Chicago, IL.

Chicago, IL $75,000.00-$85,000.00 1 week ago

Assistant Plant Manager, Assembly Operations

Chicago, IL $130,000.00-$150,000.00 3 weeks ago

Forest Park, IL $80,325.00-$112,455.00 2 weeks ago

Niles, IL $75,582.00-$94,477.00 1 week ago

Chicago, IL $70,000.00-$85,000.00 2 weeks ago

Bridgeview, IL $80,000.00-$95,000.00 1 week ago

Assistant Plant Manager, Assembly Operations

Chicago, IL $78,870.00-$103,191.00 3 days ago

Franklin Park, IL $65,000.00-$85,000.00 1 day ago

Chicago, IL $80,000.00-$120,000.00 3 days ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.