Freelance Machine Shop Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview
ACS (Allen Control Systems) is a defense technology company building precision robotic systems for the United States and its allies. Founded by two former U.S. Navy electrical engineers with deep experience in robotics and software, ACS brings together AI, computer vision, precision motion, and advanced hardware to solve complex defense challenges across land, air, and maritime environments.

Our flagship product, Bullfrog, is an autonomous precision weapon system that transforms existing weapons into highly accurate counter-drone systems — giving warfighters a scalable, cost-effective response to one of the fastest-growing threats on the modern battlefield. Bullfrog is deployed with U.S. forces, and ACS works with organizations throughout the U.S. military and national security community.

Following a $200 million Series B at a $2.2 billion valuation, ACS is rapidly expanding manufacturing, accelerating Bullfrog deployments, and developing the next generation of autonomous battlefield systems. This is an opportunity to join a proven, fast-moving team and help scale technology with direct, real-world impact on national security.

ACS is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with additional operations in Alexandria, Virginia; Mountain View, California; and Huntsville, Alabama. For more information, visit allencontrolsystems.com.

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is seeking an experienced Machine Shop Manager to lead and scale our machining operations in support of rapidly growing manufacturing needs. This role will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the machine shop, including people, equipment, production schedules, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong CNC machining experience who can balance production execution with building the processes, systems, and team required for a high-growth manufacturing environment. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams to ensure machined components are delivered safely, accurately, and on schedule.

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the machine shop, including CNC machining, manual machining, tooling, and supporting shop activities.

• Manage, develop, and mentor machinists, programmers, leads, and other machine shop personnel.

• Maintain records for skill matrix to drive a culture of continuous learning and development and career growth for team members.

• Establish clear expectations for safety, quality, productivity, attendance, and overall performance.

• Support recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, and development of machine shop employees.

• Build a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, urgency, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure appropriate staffing and coverage across production shifts as operations scale.

• Own machine shop production schedules and priorities based on overall manufacturing requirements.

• Coordinate work across machines, personnel, and shifts to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.

• Monitor work-in-process and proactively identify production risks, bottlenecks, and capacity constraints.

• Partner with Production Planning, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to ensure material, tooling, and resources are available to meet production schedules.

• Balance prototype, engineering, and production machining requirements in a fast-moving environment.

• Develop and track key performance indicators related to throughput, utilization, scrap, rework, downtime, and on-time delivery.

• Provide technical leadership for CNC milling, turning, and other machining operations.

• Support CNC programming, setup optimization, tooling selection, fixturing, and machining strategy.

• Review drawings, GD&T requirements, tolerances, materials, and manufacturing specifications.

• Partner with Engineering to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and improve component manufacturability.

• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, equipment, and process issues.

• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle times while maintaining quality and safety requirements.

• Ensure machined components meet engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.

• Partner closely with Quality to address nonconformances, scrap, rework, and corrective actions.

• Drive root-cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions for recurring machining issues.

• Ensure appropriate inspection practices, documentation, and process controls are followed.

• Promote a quality-first culture throughout the machine shop.

• Oversee machine utilization, preventive maintenance, repairs, calibration needs, and overall equipment readiness.

• Coordinate maintenance activities to minimize disruption to production.

• Evaluate and recommend new machines, tooling, fixtures, software, and other capital equipment as production requirements grow.

• Support machine installation, commissioning, shop layout, and future capacity expansion.

• Maintain an organized, efficient, and production-ready shop environment.

• Maintain a safe working environment and ensure compliance with company safety policies and applicable OSHA requirements.

• Ensure proper machine guarding, PPE, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), material handling, and safe machining practices.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.

• Implement standardized work, 6S, visual management, and other Lean manufacturing principles.

• Develop repeatable processes and documentation that allow the machine shop to scale effectively.

• 7+ years of experience in CNC machining, precision manufacturing, or a related manufacturing environment.

• 3+ years of experience leading machinists, programmers, or machine shop operations.

• Strong hands-on knowledge of CNC mills and/or lathes, machining processes, tooling, fixturing, and setup.

• Experience working with tight‑tolerance machined components.

• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and inspection requirements.

• Experience managing production schedules, machine capacity, and competing manufacturing priorities.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop technical manufacturing teams.

• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills.

• Experience implementing Lean manufacturing, 6S, standardized work, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams.

• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment where priorities and production requirements can change quickly.

• Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or another highly regulated precision manufacturing environment.

• Experience operating in an AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality environment.

• Experience with CAD/CAM software and CNC programming.

• Experience managing both prototype and production machining.

• Experience launching or significantly expanding a machine shop or machining operation.

• Experience selecting and commissioning CNC equipment and other capital machinery.

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools.

• Experience developing machining KPIs, capacity models, and production dashboards.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary

• ACS Equity Package

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.