Machining Manager

Cogitic Corporation; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogitic Corporation, a Colorado Springs precision manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Machining Manager to lead CNC machining operations on the shop floor, mentor machinists and programmers, and drive continuous improvement.

You will plan workloads, optimize throughput, tighten first article quality, and champion Lean and 5S principles while ensuring safety and on-time delivery. If you excel at solving complex manufacturing challenges and developing people, we'd love to meet you.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on CNC machining experience in a high-mix, low-volume shop.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in a machining environment.
• Experience with multi-axis CNC machining, tooling, setup processes, and workholding strategies.
• Experience using ERP/MES systems to manage production activities and performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop CNC machinists and programmers on the shop floor.
• Plan and coordinate machining workloads, schedules, and resources to meet commitments.
• Establish performance expectations and drive quality, productivity, and delivery.

Skills

CNC machining

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Manufacturing

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Job description

At Cogitic Corporation, we don't just manufacture parts — we produce precision components that support some of the most critical programs in U.S. national defense, including the submarines that protect our nation.

We're a growing precision manufacturing company in Colorado Springs, specializing in complex, high-mix, low-volume machining where quality, innovation, and technical expertise are essential to everything we do.

We're looking for an experienced Machining Manager who knows CNC machining, understands what it takes to run a successful shop, and enjoys developing people just as much as solving complex manufacturing challenges.

This isn't a position where you'll simply oversee production from behind a desk. You'll be on the manufacturing floor, working alongside talented machinists and programmers, improving processes, maximizing advanced manufacturing technologies, and helping shape the future of our machining operations.

If you've built your career in machining and are ready to take ownership of a team, drive meaningful improvements, and contribute to work that truly matters, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

Lead the Team & Daily Operations

• Lead, mentor, and develop CNC machinists and programmers, creating a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Plan and coordinate machining workloads, production schedules, and resources to meet customer commitments.

• Establish clear performance expectations, monitor results, and hold team members accountable for quality, productivity, and delivery.

• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment with a strong focus on equipment uptime and shop floor readiness.

• Build team capabilities through training, cross-training, and employee development.

Drive Machining Performance & Efficiency

• Oversee daily machining operations to ensure projects are completed on time, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

• Improve machine utilization, throughput, labor allocation, and overall manufacturing workflow.

• Reduce setup time, minimize setup parts, eliminate scrap, and drive first-time quality, including successful first article inspections.

• Ensure machines, tooling, materials, programs, and documentation are ready before production begins.

• Identify production challenges, troubleshoot issues, and implement lasting solutions that improve performance.

Champion Technology & Continuous Improvement

• Maximize the capabilities of advanced CNC machining technologies, including probing, simulation, and advanced toolpaths.

• Evaluate and recommend new manufacturing technologies, equipment, and processes to improve capabilities and efficiency.

• Apply Lean manufacturing and 5S principles to reduce waste and streamline operations.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts to prevent recurring production and quality issues.

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing methods, processes, and overall operational effectiveness.

Own Quality, Systems & Results

• Establish, monitor, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to on-time delivery, throughput, machine utilization, and quality.

• Ensure compliance with ERP/MES systems, internal procedures, and First Article Inspection requirements.

• Maintain accurate production records, operational data, and consistent system practices.

• Partner closely with Quality, Engineering, and other departments to resolve challenges and support successful project execution.

• Promote a culture where quality, accountability, and continuous improvement are part of everyday operations.

What We're Looking For

• Strong hands-on experience in CNC machining and manufacturing operations, with a solid understanding of what it takes to run an efficient machine shop.

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a machining or production environment.

• Strong technical knowledge of multi-axis CNC machining, tooling, setup processes, and workholding strategies.

• Experience using ERP/MES systems to manage production activities and operational performance.

• Experience in complex, quality-driven manufacturing environments where precision and attention to detail are critical.

• Ability to lead teams, solve technical challenges, prioritize competing demands, and drive measurable improvements.

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on industry experience will also be considered.

Why Cogitic?

At Cogitic, the work is challenging, the parts are complex, and the mission is bigger than any one of us.

You'll have the opportunity to lead a skilled machining team, work with advanced manufacturing technologies, and make a direct impact on how we operate and grow.

We value people who take ownership, think critically, bring ideas to the table, and aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves to get things done.

Ready to lead a machine shop where your experience and ideas can make a real difference?