Position SummaryThe Machining Manager is responsible for leading all machining operations within a high-pressure aluminum die casting manufacturing environment. This position oversees production performance, safety, quality, staffing, continuous improvement, and maintenance coordination for CNC machining operations supporting automotive or industrial aluminum cast components.
The Machining Manager is expected to drive operational performance through strong floor leadership, process discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement while ensuring customer requirements, production schedules, and quality standards are consistently achieved.
Essential ResponsibilitiesSafety & Compliance- Promote and enforce a strong safety culture throughout machining operations.
- Ensure compliance with all OSHA, environmental, and company safety requirements.
- Lead safety investigations, corrective actions, and risk reduction activities.
- Conduct regular safety audits and accountability reviews.
Production Management- Manage daily machining operations to achieve production, scrap, downtime, and efficiency targets.
- Monitor CNC machining performance, cycle times, tool life, and throughput.
- Coordinate staffing and scheduling to support production demands.
- Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining quality and cost expectations.
- Drive accountability for shift performance and operational metrics.
Quality Management- Support customer quality requirements and internal quality standards.
- Work closely with Quality and Engineering teams to address machining defects, dimensional issues, and customer concerns.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
- Ensure compliance with control plans, standardized work, and process documentation.
Continuous Improvement- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on:
- OEE improvement
- Scrap reduction
- Downtime reduction
- Cycle time optimization
- Tooling and fixture improvements
- Labor efficiency
- Utilize Lean Manufacturing and problem-solving methodologies.
- Support cost reduction and operational efficiency projects.
Leadership & Team Development- Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, technicians, and operators.
- Establish clear expectations and accountability within the department.
- Support training and workforce development initiatives.
- Promote teamwork, communication, and operational discipline.
Maintenance & Equipment Reliability- Partner with Maintenance to improve machine uptime and equipment reliability.
- Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
- Assist with capital projects, equipment installation, and process improvements.
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of machining leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with CNC machining operations in aluminum casting or automotive manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of high-pressure die casting machining processes.
- Experience managing KPIs, production schedules, and labor performance.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement tools.
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred- Experience in automotive manufacturing.
- Familiarity with IATF 16949 quality systems.
- Experience with robotics, automation, and machining process optimization.
- Six Sigma or Lean certification preferred.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- Safety performance
- Scrap and rework reduction
- OEE performance
- Machine uptime
- Labor efficiency
- Production attainment
- Customer quality performance
- Downtime reduction
- Cost improvement initiatives
Work Environment- Manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, noise, moving equipment, and industrial machinery.
- Frequent floor presence required.
- Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support operations.
