Machining Manager
Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation seeks a Machining Manager to direct daily CNC machining operations, ensuring NAVSEA-compliant, high-precision part production for submarine platforms. You will mentor machinists, optimize workflows, and partner with engineering to sustain efficiency and quality.
The role requires hands-on leadership, a strong background in multi‑axis machining, and a relentless focus on safety, lean practices, and defect reduction in a defense environment.
Qualifications
- 5+ years CNC machining experience.
- 3+ years leading manufacturing personnel.
- Undergraduate degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field.
- Experience with ISO9001 or similar QMS.
- Experience operating and maintaining ERP systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and data analytics.
- Hands-on, able to work at the control and in meetings.
Responsibilities
- Lead daily machining operations for high-precision parts.
- Ensure NAVSEA compliance and traceability.
- Direct exotic material strategies (K-Monel, Inconel, Titanium).
- Oversee programming with CNC programmers for efficiency.
- Optimize shop floor routing and transitions.
- Ensure IPIs are documented per data package.
- Design or source fixtures and high-performance tooling.
- Maintain lean maintenance to avoid downtime.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Job Title: Machining Manager
Department: Operations
Reports To: General Manager
We are a specialized, high-precision manufacturing firm (under 50 employees) dedicated to supporting the U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base. We pride ourselves on technical excellence and the ability to execute complex, mission-critical components for the nation’s most advanced undersea platforms.
The Machine Shop Manager will own the daily tactical execution of our machining department. This is a "player-coach" role for a veteran of the submarine industrial base who can translate NAVSEA technical requirements into chips on the floor. You will oversee a tight-knit team of machinists, ensuring that complex geometries and exotic metals are processed with 100% compliance and maximum efficiency
- Daily Operations: Lead the machining of high-precision parts for Virginia and Columbia-class platforms, managing work centers to hit aggressive delivery schedules.
- NAVSEA Compliance: Ensure all machining operations adhere strictly to Level I/SUBSAFE requirements, including rigorous material control and heat-treat traceability.
- Exotic Material Management: Direct the machining strategies for specialized submarine alloys (e.g., K-Monel, Inconel, Titanium, and HY-80/100 steel).
- Programming Oversight: Work closely with CNC programmers to optimize tool paths, minimize cycle times, and ensure "first-article" success on complex, low-volume runs.
- Workflow Optimization: Develop and refine shop floor routing to ensure smooth transitions between machining, deburring, and inspection.
- Quality Integration: Partner with the Contracts/Engineering Manager to ensure all In-Process Inspections (IPIs) are completed and documented according to the technical data package.
- Tooling & Work holding: Design or source custom fixtures and high-performance tooling required for unique undersea hardware geometries.
- Preventative Maintenance: Manage a lean maintenance schedule for all CNCequipment to ensure zero unplanned downtime on critical Navy contracts.
- Mentorship: Train and upskill a small team of machinists, instilling the "quality-first" mindset required for Navy nuclear and sub-safe work.
- Safety & Environment: Maintain a safe, 5S-compliant shop floor that meets both OSHA standards and rigorous customer audit requirements.
- Resource Allocation: Manage overtime and shift schedules to meet fluctuating Navy demand while maintaining high morale.
- Visual Management: Lead the FIFO boards at each machine with customer input from the Planning Manager and Program Manager.
- Time Management: Understand labor standards and look for opportunities to improve machine uptime and productivity.
- 5+ years CNC machining experience.
- 3+ years leading, developing, and managing manufacturing personnel.
- Undergraduate Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field.
- Experience in continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing concepts.
- Experience with ISO9001 or similar Quality Management Systems.
- Experience operating and maintaining ERP systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Competency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analytics.
- Strong ability to work independently and in groups to identify and resolve issues.
- Technical Proficiency: knowledge of multi-axis CNC milling/turning and the ability to troubleshoot complex setups on the fly.
- Small Business Savvy: Proven ability to be "hands-on"-you are as comfortable at the control as you are in a production meeting.
- Salary $100,000 to $125,000 per year, based on qualifications and experience.
- Annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
- Competitive benefit and PTO package.
Not Applicable: Activity is not required for this position
Occasionally: Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0-2.5 hrs/day)
Frequently: Position requires this activity from 33%-66% of the time (2.5-5.5) hrs/day)
Constantly: Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
Sitting
X
Standing
X
Walking
X
Climbing/Balancing
X
Stooping/Twisting
X
Kneeling
X
Squatting
X
Crawling
X
Push/Pull
X
Reaching
X
Gripping
X
Keyboarding
X
Pinching
X
Neck Rotation/Extension
X
Foot Use
X
Visual Acuity (Near/Far)
X
Up to 10 lbs
X
11 to 25 lbs
X
26 to 50 lbs
X
51 to 75 lbs
X
76 to 100 lbs
X
Over 100 lbs
X
Uneven Ground
X
Exposure to Dust/Fumes
X
Excessive Noise
X
Exposure to Biohazards
X
Extreme Temperatures
X
Exposure to Hazards
X
Working at Heights
X
Working with Machinery
X
Comprehension
X
Organization
X
Reasoning/Decision Making
X
Communication
X
Resilience
X
General: Extensive mobility required, some moderate to heavy lifting. Position requires ability to lift objects weighing more than 50 pounds occasionally; walking and standing for long durations; see objects closely; and hear normal sounds with some background noises. Position requires ability to concentrate with some interruption and attend to tasks for 45 to 60 minutes at a time.
Industrial shop setting. Dust, dirt, metal debris from manufacturing will be encountered. Moderate levels of noise will be encountered.
Micro Precision is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
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