Operations Leader - Machining

INNIO Group; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

INNIO Group is launching a new Jenbacher machining operation in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The Operations Leader will build the machining organization from the ground up, lead CNC programmers, machinists, and production personnel, and establish the safety, quality, and productivity culture needed for a successful launch.

You will collaborate across Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Materials, and Planning, drive daily management and 5S, and may complete an assignment at Jenbach, Austria

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing leadership in CNC/precision settings.
• Experience leading and developing manufacturing employees.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining operations, tooling, fixtures, gauging, and process controls.
• Experience driving manufacturing performance using Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and productivity metrics.
• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the machining organization with focus on safety, quality, accountability, and teamwork. Own daily machining performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, productivity, and equipment performance.
• Establish production priorities and coordinate staffing, machine assignments, tooling, programming, materials, and resources to meet production requirements.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Materials, and Planning to resolve production and technical issues.
• Support installation, commissioning, process prove-out, production trials, and ramp-up of new machining equipment and automated cells.
• Drive improvements in machine utilization, cycle time, quality, scrap/rework, tool life, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Establish daily management, visual controls, standard work, 5S, and continuous improvement practices.
• Build team capability through hiring, onboarding, training, cross-training, and development of future technical and operational leaders.
• Work closely with our Jenbacher machining team in Jenbach, Austria to transfer machining processes, product knowledge, and best practices to Waukesha.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

CNC machining operations

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Cross-functional leadership

ERP/MES experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, Business

Tools

Makino

Waldrich Coburg

FANUC automation

5-axis machining

Bridge mills

ERP/MES systems

Job description

About INNIO Group

INNIO Group is a global distributed energy solutions provider that delivers reliable, flexible, transient, decentralized, modular, and efficient power. With a track record of innovation, INNIO designs, manufactures, and services high-performance power systems under its Jenbacher and Waukesha brands. The company delivers power for applications including data centers, microgrids, grid stabilization, industrial energy, and gas compression.

INNIO operates a global installed base across approximately 100 countries. As electricity demand accelerates — driven by AI, electrification, and grid constraints — INNIO enables scalable, behind-the-meter power generation with high efficiency, fast start capability, strong transient performance, and fuel flexibility, including hydrogen-ready solutions. INNIO employs over 5,000 people worldwide and is committed to moving energy forward.

Operations Leader – Machining

INNIO is seeking an experienced Operations Leader – Machining to help launch and lead our new Jenbacher machining operation in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This is a unique opportunity to build a machining organization from the ground up around all-new Makino horizontal and 5-axis machining centers, Waldrich Coburg bridge mills, FANUC robotics, and advanced automation technology.

You will lead the machining team—including CNC programmers, machinists, and production personnel—and be responsible for developing the people, processes, operating discipline, and culture needed to successfully launch and grow the operation.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, coach, and develop the machining organization with a focus on safety, quality, accountability, and teamwork. Own daily machining performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, productivity, and equipment performance.
• Establish production priorities and coordinate staffing, machine assignments, tooling, programming, materials, and resources to meet production requirements.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Materials, and Planning to resolve production and technical issues.
• Support installation, commissioning, process prove-out, production trials, and ramp-up of new machining equipment and automated cells.
• Drive improvements in machine utilization, cycle time, quality, scrap/rework, tool life, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Establish daily management, visual controls, standard work, 5S, and continuous improvement practices.
• Build team capability through hiring, onboarding, training, cross-training, and development of future technical and operational leaders.
• Work closely with our Jenbacher machining team in Jenbach, Austria to transfer machining processes, product knowledge, and best practices to Waukesha.

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in CNC machining, precision manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment, or a similar technical environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing manufacturing employees.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining operations, tooling, fixtures, gauging, inspection, and manufacturing process controls.
• Experience driving manufacturing performance using Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and productivity metrics.
• Strong problem-solving, continuous improvement, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems; Oracle experience is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Ability to complete an assignment at our Jenbacher manufacturing operation in Jenbach, Austria as part of the initial launch.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Makino, Waldrich Coburg, FANUC automation, 5-axis machining, horizontal machining centers, bridge mills, large-part machining, automated machining cells, or launching new machining operations is highly valued.
• If you are a hands-on manufacturing leader who wants the opportunity to build a team and help launch a highly advanced machining operation from the ground up, we want to hear from you.