Position Summary
The Machine Shop Supervisor oversees daily machining operations, ensuring production goals are met safely, efficiently, and with high quality. This role is responsible for supervising CNC machinists, setup operators, and support staff; coordinating workflow; maintaining tooling and equipment readiness; and ensuring all work is completed according to drawings, tolerances, and customer requirements. The supervisor plays a key role in training, retention, and skill development within the machine shop.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
Supervise, train, and support CNC machinists, setup operators, and machine shop personnel.
Assign daily tasks based on skill level, machine availability, and production priorities.
Monitor performance and provide coaching, feedback, and corrective action when needed.
Promote a positive, safe, and productive work environment to support retention of skilled machinists.
Production & Workflow Coordination
Plan and organize machining activities to meet production deadlines.
Ensure machines are running efficiently with minimal downtime.
Coordinate with Tool Crib, QC, Assembly, and Shipping to maintain smooth workflow.
Review work orders, prints, and routings to ensure accuracy before machining begins.
Identify bottlenecks and adjust staffing, setups, or scheduling to maintain throughput.
Technical & Machining Oversight
Ensure machinists follow correct machining methods, speeds/feeds, and setup procedures.
Assist with troubleshooting machining issues, tooling problems, and dimensional discrepancies.
Verify parts meet blueprint specifications and tolerances before moving to the next operation.
Support programming and setup activities as needed (CNC mills, lathes, or other equipment).
Maintain tooling inventory and coordinate with Tool Crib for replenishment.
Quality & Compliance
Ensure all machined parts meet quality standards and customer requirements.
Work closely with QC to address nonconformances, rework, and process improvements.
Enforce proper documentation of scrap, rework, and process deviations.
Maintain a clean, organized, and audit‑ready machine shop.
System & Documentation
Ensure employees accurately record completions, scrap, quantities, and routing steps in real time.
Review work order accuracy and correct discrepancies before closing operations.
Track daily production output and report issues to management.
Safety
Enforce all company safety rules, machine guarding requirements, and PPE usage.
Conduct daily safety checks and ensure machines are operated safely.
Participate in incident investigations and corrective actions.
Continuous Improvement
Recommend improvements to machining processes, tooling, and workflow.
Support cross‑training and skill development to strengthen the department.
Assist in implementing new equipment, technology, or procedures.
Required Qualifications
4+ years of machining experience in a CNC manufacturing environment.
1–2 years of leadership or lead/supervisor experience preferred.
Strong understanding of CNC machining, setups, tooling, and blueprint reading.
Ability to interpret GD&T, tolerances, and technical drawings.
Experience with ERP systems.
Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
Ability to lift 30–50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement is a plus.
Competencies
Leadership & Accountability
Technical Machining Knowledge
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Problem‑Solving
Safety Awareness
Team Collaboration
Decision‑Making
Work Environment
Machine shop environment with exposure to CNC equipment, cutting tools, coolants, and moderate noise.
Requires use of PPE (safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, etc.).
