Machine Shop Manager

Growing Groves; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Personal time

Educational opportunities

Holiday Shut-Down

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Rockford, Illinois is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager. This hands-on role involves leading a small team in CNC lathe and milling operations, ensuring production targets are met. Ideal candidates will have over 8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly in aerospace. The position offers a competitive salary up to $150,000 and attractive perks including paid vacation and educational opportunities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of manufacturing or machining experience.
• Experience in aerospace-level manufacturing environment.
• Previous management or supervisory experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the floor and act as the site leader for your department.
• Oversee technical leadership for turning and milling operations.
• Support tool design and order necessary tooling.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and encourage 6S techniques.
• Develop the team through training and resource management.

Skills

CNC Lathes with Live Tooling

5-axis Milling

MasterCAM

Lean manufacturing

Training and development

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Manufacturing Operations Manager - Lathe and Mill Operations

This is a position for the hands‑on leader of a small team made up of machinists, programmers, and manufacturing engineers. You'll need to be able to program a 5-axis mill, fix live‑tooling lathe setups, and lead a team to hit production targets. You will report to the Director of Operations spending most your time involved with the shop floor.

What You’ll Actually Do:

• Manage the floor and act as the site leader for your department. You oversee all areas (Turning, Milling, Tool Room).
• Be the technical leader for turning and milling operations. You'll troubleshoot setups, provide technical support for machine issues, and perform off‑line CAM programming.
• Support tool design and order necessary tooling.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and encourage 6S techniques.
• Develop the team through training and support as well as resource management

The Technical:

• Deep hands‑on proficiency with CNC Lathes with Live Tooling and Milling (up to 5‑axis).
• Experience with MasterCAM and ERP
• Understanding of aerospace level requirements in a machining environment

Who We Are Looking For:

• You have experience working in an aerospace-level manufacturing environment
• Experience: You have 8+ years of manufacturing/machining experience or equivalent
• Leadership: Previous management or supervisory experience is strongly preferred. You need to be able to command a room and train others effectively.
• Personality: Not interested in a "desk manager" role. You want to be involved in the operation.

The Setup:

• Compensation: Up to $150,000 salary
• Environment: Non‑typical machining operation - it's cleaner and quieter than most place.
• Perks: Paid vacation, personal time, educational opportunities, and a Holiday Shut-Down.