Machine Shop Manager

Texas A&M University System; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M Space Institute seeks a Machine Shop Manager to lead the Houston facility's machine shop and fabrication lab. You will supervise staff, perform hands-on machining, and drive safe, efficient production of components for tenants and research projects.

You will develop SOPs, manage equipment, and mentor users while ensuring compliance with safety standards and institutional requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six years of related experience in machine shops, fabrication, or lab management.
• Experience with CNC machining, fabrication equipment, and precision tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and directs daily operations of the machine shop and fabrication laboratory.
• Leads production of specialized components and custom parts for tenants and Institute projects.
• Consults with tenants/researchers to determine fabrication requirements, materials, and methods.
• Prepares labor/material/equipment usage estimates and project timelines.
• Maintains operation of complex equipment (CNC mills, lathes, welding systems, precision instruments).
• Establishes SOPs for machining, fabrication, and equipment usage.

Skills

Leadership

Training users

Safety culture

Machining expertise

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in applicable field

Tools

CAD/CAM

GD&T

Precision measurement

Job description

**Job Title**Machine Shop Manager**Agency**Texas A&M Engineering**Department**Space Institute**Proposed Minimum Salary**Commensurate**Job Location**Houston, Texas**Job Type**Staff**Job Description**The Machine Shop Manager, under direction, leads the operation of the Texas A&M University Space Institute's machine shop in Houston. This position is responsible for overseeing machine shop operations, fabrication services, equipment resources, user training programs, and personnel to support tenants, researchers, and Institute initiatives. The Machine Shop Manager provides advanced technical expertise in machining and fabrication, manages fee-for-service projects, supervises machine shop personnel, and ensures safe, efficient, and innovative use of resources in support of a dynamic aerospace and robotics-focused environment. This is a hands-on management role that requires both leadership and direct participation in machining, fabrication, shop operations, and material-handling work.**Responsibilities:**Operations* Oversees and directs daily operations of the machine shop and fabrication laboratory* Leads the production of specialized components and custom parts to support tenant and Institute projects* Consults with tenants, researchers, and staff to determine the fabrication requirements, project feasibility, materials, and manufacturing methods to ensure timely completion of projects* Prepares estimates for labor, materials, equipment usage, and project timelines for fabrication services* Maintains, evaluates, and ensures proper operation of complex equipment (e.g., CNC mills, lathes, welding systems, precision instrumentation)* Establishes and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) for machining, fabrication, and equipment usage* Manages inventory of materials, tools, and supplies, and coordinates procurement activities* Coordinates complex builds, prototypes, and fabrication projects requiring advanced technical judgmentSupervision, Training, and Technical Leadership* Supervises machine shop personnel, including Machine Shop Coordinator, and assigns work priorities* Provides hands-on technical instruction and mentorship on machining, shop tools, fabrication processes, and equipment operation* Oversees and approves safe use of equipment by staff, tenants, and authorized users in accordance with established training and safety requirements* Develops and implements training programs for users operating machinery and equipment* Ensures adherence to safety standards and fosters a strong safety culture in a high-risk equipment environment* Serves as the primary technical authority for troubleshooting complex machining and fabrication challengesLab Strategy, Safety, and Quality Assurance* Leads development of machine shop capabilities aligned with Institute needs (robotics, aerospace testing, prototyping)* Establishes quality standards and ensures fabricated components meet engineering specifications and tolerances* Oversees safety compliance, audits, and adherence to TAMUS and regulatory requirements* Coordinates with tenants, engineers, and researchers to support project needs and technical requirements* Evaluates equipment upgrades, new technologies, and lab enhancements* Ensures machine shop readiness to support a multi-tenant, high-demand environment**What We Need:*** Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience* Six years of related experience**What is Helpful:*** Degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Machining, or related field* Experience in machine shop operations, fabrication, or laboratory management* Demonstrated experience with CNC machining, fabrication equipment, and precision tools* Experience supervising staff and training users on technical equipment* Experience supporting prototype development, robotics, aerospace, or research environments* Proficiency in CAD/CAM, GD&T, and precision measurement systems* Experience supporting multi-user or shared lab/shop environments**Other Requirements:*** This position is security sensitive and requires United States Citizenship only.**Work Location:*** Houston, TX.**About The Texas A&M Space Institute:**The Texas A&M University Space Institute will advance commercial, government, military, and academic research and development partnerships in support of national and international space endeavors. With a $200 million investment from the State of Texas, a 400,000 square foot facility is under construction at NASA-Johnson Space Center's Exploration Park. This unique facility, featuring the world's largest indoor climate-controlled landscapes to emulate surface operations on the moon and Mars, is expected to open in the fall of 2026 and will support space system research, testing, training, and workforce development initiatives.**Texas A&M Engineering provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:*** Competitive benefits through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and coverage by Express Scripts.* Options for,,, and insurance.* A defined benefit retirement plan with the (TRS) with 8.25% employer contribution.* Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: 403(b) and a 457(b).* options for medical and childcare expenses* Generous paid time off with, .* Robust free training access through plus professional development opportunities.* Tuition assistance and to further your academic pursuits.* Access to programs that provide opportunities for employees to engage in health and fitness.* Wellness offered to employees to promote work/life balance.Helpful Applicant Information**Required Materials for Application:*** Resume/CV* Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor/former supervisor.* Letter of interest*Applications received by Texas A&M Engineering must have all required job application data entered.**Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.***Compensation Philosophy:*** Recruit and retain a high-performing workforce through competitive compensation and career development including career pathing, coaching and skills development.* Recognize and reward exceptional performance based on individual and team contributions to the growth and success of Texas A&M Engineering.* Offer total rewards through flexible benefits, professional development, and work-life balance. Maintain an equitable and transparent process for compensation decisions.* Support, reinforce, and align compensation decisions with budgetary and financial strategies to ensure growth and sustainability.**Employment Eligibility Verification*** If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in delay of start date.All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS.The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee.Each member institution provides equal opportunity