Manager, Production Operations - Machine Shop

Front Door Defense; Town of Middleton (WI); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with 150% match

Paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Space in Middleton, Wisconsin, is seeking a Manager, Production Operations for the Machine Shop to lead and optimize aerospace-grade machining. You will drive safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement, build a world-class team of machinists and programmers, and collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams.

The role requires 5+ years in machining with leadership experience and a strong background in CAM software and ERP/MES systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years machining and precision manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in CNC machining, multi-axis milling, and tight-tolerance manufacturing with aerospace materials.
• Proven track record in managing and optimizing high-performing machining centers, driving efficiency, throughput, and process reliability.
• Strong leadership skills with experience building and mentoring teams while fostering accountability and technical excellence.
• Proficiency in CAM software (Mastercam, NX), ERP/MES systems, and advanced production monitoring tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety initiatives, enforce PPE requirements, and ensure compliance with company safety policies and standards.
• Organize monthly safety meetings and identify risks in work setups, providing necessary training to mitigate hazards.
• Manage daily job lineups, pre-plan jobs, and assign machinists to tasks based on skill and availability.
• Oversee work order routers to ensure they contain sufficient information for production and quality assurance.
• Drive operational efficiency and ensure machining processes meet aggressive production rate targets.
• Build, mentor, and develop a world-class team of machinists, programmers, and technicians.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, set quarterly goals, and provide training to align teams with company objectives.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a clean, organized shop environment by managing tools, equipment, and materials.
• Enforce cleanup rules and ensure all parts are properly labeled and documented during manufacturing.
• Challenge engineering designs to optimize manufacturability while collaborating with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams.
• Implement innovative machining technologies, including 5-axis machining and automation.
• Oversee machine maintenance requests and train machinists on preventative maintenance.
• Provide ongoing training in machine use, quality control, and company goals.
• Manage inspection reports, NCRs, and other critical documentation.
• Regularly communicate progress and issues with project managers and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with machine shop in Colorado on projects and workload.

Skills

CNC machining

Multi-axis milling

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Team mentoring

CAM Mastercam

CAM NX

ERP/MES systems

Production monitoring

Aerospace materials

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Mastercam

NX

ERP/MES systems

Job description

Manager, Production Operations - Machine Shop

Lead and optimize the machine shop operations to meet aerospace production targets.

Location: Middleton, Wisconsin

Compensation: $103,166 - 141,873 USD / year

About The Role

Sierra Space Careers

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

As the Manager, Production - Machine Shop, you will play a critical role in building and leading a high-performing machine shop team, driving operational excellence, and scaling machining processes to support aerospace-grade component production. You will be responsible for ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Your leadership will drive Sierra Space's mission to deliver world-class manufacturing solutions for space exploration.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.

We're looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead safety initiatives, enforce PPE requirements, and ensure compliance with company safety policies and standards.
• Organize monthly safety meetings and identify risks in work setups, providing necessary training to mitigate hazards.
• Manage daily job lineups, pre-plan jobs, and assign machinists to tasks based on skill and availability.
• Oversee work order routers to ensure they contain sufficient information for production and quality assurance.
• Drive operational efficiency and ensure machining processes meet aggressive production rate targets.
• Build, mentor, and develop a world-class team of machinists, programmers, and technicians.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, set quarterly goals, and provide training to align teams with company objectives.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a clean, organized shop environment by managing tools, equipment, and materials.
• Enforce cleanup rules and ensure all parts are properly labeled and documented during manufacturing.
• Challenge engineering designs to optimize manufacturability while collaborating with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams.
• Implement innovative machining technologies, including advanced techniques such as 5-axis machining, and automation.
• Oversee machine maintenance requests and train machinists on preventative maintenance.
• Provide ongoing training in machine use, quality control, and company goals.
• Manage inspection reports, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and other critical documentation.
• Regularly communicate progress and issues with project managers and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with machine shop in Colorado on projects and workload

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in machining and precision manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in CNC machining, multi-axis milling, and tight-tolerance manufacturing, particularly with aerospace-grade materials (e.g., titanium, Inconel, aluminum).
• Proven track record in managing and optimizing high-performing machining centers, driving efficiency, throughput, and process reliability.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience building and mentoring teams while fostering a culture of accountability and technical excellence.
• Proficiency in CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, NX), ERP/MES systems, and advanced production monitoring tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience scaling aerospace machining operations, optimizing cycle times, and implementing automation technologies.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing standards such as AS9100, NADCAP, and ITAR compliance.
• Background in additive manufacturing or advanced material processing for next-generation aerospace components.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, GD&T, Six Sigma methodologies, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Advanced degree in a relevant field.
• A seasoned machinist with deep expertise in both CNC and manual machining, combined with strong leadership and management skills.
• Proven ability to train, develop, and lead teams while maintaining a well-organized, safety-compliant shop environment.
• Hands-on problem solver who excels at optimizing manufacturing processes and driving operational efficiency.

Compensation

Pay Range:

$103,166.00 - $141,872.75

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.