Ops Manager - CNC/Automation & Precision Machining

Cutting Edge Machining & Automation; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Cutting Edge Machining & Automation is seeking a hands-on Operations Manager to lead end-to-end order-to-ship workflows across two distinct business segments: high-volume robotic automation for OEMs and precision aerospace & defense machining under AS9100 and ITAR/DFARS requirements.

This role involves shop-floor leadership with accountability for on-time delivery, quality, labor and machine utilization, purchasing, and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of operations experience in a precision CNC machining environment, with 5+ years in a management role overseeing multiple functions.
• Direct experience with both high-volume automated production and high‑mix, low-volume precision machining.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, and DFARS flowdown requirements; hands‑on familiarity with CNC milling/turning, multi‑axis machining, robotic load/unload cells, and gauging.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (Epicor preferred, JobBOSS 2 a plus).
• Demonstrated results with lean manufacturing tools: VSM, 5S, Kaizen, 8D problem‑solving.
• Basic understanding of operations financials — able to track spending against budget and support capital justification requests.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or Industrial Technology — or equivalent experience.
• U.S. Person status required (ITAR).

Responsibilities

• End-to-end production scheduling across both workflows.
• Oversee order entry and customer service functions; serve as escalation point on delivery, expedites, and corrective actions.
• Direct daily and weekly production operations — directing cell leads, machinists, programming/setup personnel.
• Optimize OEE, cycle time, scrap, labor efficiency, capacity planning.
• MRP, purchasing, outside service coordination.
• Inventory accuracy and turns across raw material, WIP, finished goods, tooling, and consumables.
• Oversee shipping & receiving, ensuring on-time shipment and import/export compliance.
• Operations budget — direct and indirect labor, tooling, freight.
• Regular KPI reporting to leadership.
• Team development: coaching leads and machinists, recruitment and skills development.
• Safety performance and awareness.
• Shop organization and cleanliness.

Skills

Operations leadership

Production scheduling

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

AS9100/ITAR knowledge

CNC machining familiarity

ERP/MRP familiarity

Kaizen/8D problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or Industrial Technology

Tools

Epicor

JobBOSS

Job description

Cutting Edge Machining & Automation is seeking a hands-on Operations Manager to lead end-to-end order-to-ship workflows across two distinct business segments: high-volume robotic automation for OEMs and precision aerospace & defense machining under AS9100 and ITAR/DFARS requirements.

This role involves shop-floor leadership with accountability for on-time delivery, quality, labor and machine utilization, purchasing, and customer satisfaction.