Machine Shop Manager

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach Industries is seeking a Machine Shop Manager to lead the people and daily operations of our internal machining and supporting fabrication shop. This individual will own shop execution, including staffing, scheduling, equipment readiness, safety, quality, and on-time delivery of hardware supporting engineering development and production.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong CNC machining knowledge and the ability to turn changing priorities into an executable shop plan. The ideal candidate has experience leading machinists and programmers, resolving problems on the floor, and establishing consistent operating practices without slowing down development. They will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Automation to support rapid prototyping and the transition into repeatable production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of machinists, CNC programmers, and manufacturing technicians, including hiring, onboarding, training, cross-training, and performance management.
• Own daily shop scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation. Establish realistic delivery commitments, communicate priorities, and escalate risks early.
• Maintain a ready-to-run backlog by coordinating material availability, released programs, tooling, workholding, setup documentation, and inspection support.
• Oversee CNC milling, turning, multi-axis machining, and supporting fabrication activities. Work directly with machinists, programmers, and engineers to resolve setup, tooling, machining, and dimensional issues.
• Establish and enforce safe operating practices, controlled setup and program prove-out procedures, and clear expectations for stopping and escalating abnormal machine behavior.
• Own equipment readiness in partnership with Maintenance and equipment suppliers, including preventive maintenance scheduling, repair coordination, downtime tracking, and follow-through on recurring issues.
• Ensure work is performed to the correct drawing, program, and process revisions. Maintain accurate shop-floor records, job status, and material and part traceability through the manufacturing execution system.
• Partner with Quality to ensure inspection requirements are met, contain nonconforming hardware, and implement corrective actions for recurring defects, scrap, and rework.
• Track and improve shop performance using on-time delivery, lead time, first-pass yield, scrap and rework, setup time, and equipment downtime.
• Improve tooling organization, material staging, setup practices, work instructions, and shift handoffs to reduce delays and dependence on individual knowledge.
• Support manufacturability reviews and process development, capturing shop-floor lessons and helping transition proven processes into repeatable production.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Automation on new equipment commissioning and automation integration, ensuring operators, tooling, procedures, and support resources are ready for use.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in CNC machining or precision machine shop operations, including 3+ years leading machinists, programmers, or comparable shop-floor teams.
• Hands-on experience with CNC milling and turning, including exposure to complex multi-axis or mill-turn machining.
• Strong practical understanding of cutting parameters, tooling, workholding, setup strategy, tool life, and machining troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications, and translate requirements into clear expectations for shop execution.
• Experience supporting prototype development and production manufacturing in an environment with changing priorities.
• Working knowledge of precision inspection methods, in-process quality controls, and the handling of nonconforming hardware.
• Demonstrated ability to organize shop workload, identify constraints, communicate realistic schedules, and follow through on delivery commitments.
• Experience developing personnel, setting clear performance expectations, and maintaining accountability for safety, quality, and execution.
• Ability to meet applicable export-control requirements for the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building or scaling a machine shop in a high-growth, high-mix, or development-focused manufacturing environment.
• Experience with DMG MORI, Okuma, Mazak, Haas, or comparable CNC equipment, particularly five-axis and mill-turn platforms.
• Experience machining titanium, stainless steel, and nickel-based superalloys in addition to aluminum.
• Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems, ERP systems, and digital shop-floor scheduling tools; experience with Manufacturo is a plus.
• Experience supporting automated machine tending, tool presetting, in-process probing, and CAM program verification workflows.
• Demonstrated improvements in setup time, delivery performance, equipment reliability, throughput, or first-pass yield.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

Pay Range $140,000 — $160,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.