Freelance Machine Shop Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

The Machine Shop Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all machinery department activities, personnel, and production schedules. This position supports the manufacturing operations by ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality performance across all machining functions.

Essential Functions:

• Plan and direct work for new construction and repair projects in coordination with production schedules.

• Train and instruct employees on safe, efficient, and effective work methods.

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical documentation to determine required materials and task sequences.

• Assign work orders, monitor progress, and inspect work, equipment, and work sites to ensure compliance with specifications and safety standards.

• Manage timekeeping entries, enforce company policies, and appraise employee performance.

• Serve as a resource to key stakeholders, including crews, department leaders, and senior management.

• Collaborate with purchasing to order materials, tools, and parts required for assigned projects.

• Establish, track, and manage project budgets and schedules.

• Attend coordination meetings to identify conflicts, resolve issues, and ensure alignment across departments.

• Promote a positive company image and uphold TBA’s Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety policies.

• Maintain attendance reliability and actively participate in hands-on operations as needed to support project goals.

Supervisory Experience

• Directly supervises approximately 10–20 employees within the machinery department.

• Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, and developing employees.

• Plans, assigns, and directs daily work activities; appraises performance, administers discipline, and resolves personnel issues.

• Promotes mentorship, accountability, and teamwork

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, fabrication processes, and repair operations.

• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, diagrams and schedules.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Experience using time and attendance tracking software.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to build and lead high-performing teams while maintaining accountability and positive morale.

Education, Experience, or Formal Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or trade school certification preferred.

• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience in machinery, manufacturing, or industrial environments.

Preferred Certifications (Not Required)

• OSHA 30-hour Industrial Safety Certification.

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Certification.

• Crane or Forklift Operation Certification.

Working Environment:

• Office and manufacturing floor environment, including foundry, machining, and assembly areas.

• Exposure to heat, dust, noise, and industrial equipment.

• Required to wear appropriate PPE in production areas.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and climbing within industrial areas.

• Ability to visually inspect components and operate testing/measuring equipment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safe execution of machining operations and adherence to applicable safety practices

• Stability and flow of machining operations, including CNC, manual machining, and finishing processes

• Work quality, accuracy, and conformance to engineering drawings and specifications.
• Scrap, rework, and deviation trends related to machining performance

• Coordination with Scheduling to support production flow and on-time delivery

• Downtime reduction through communication with Maintenance and timely escalation of equipment issues

• Labor utilization and alignment of machinist skills to operational needs

• Documentation accuracy and adherence to machining work instructions

• Communication effectiveness with Engineering, Foundry, Quality, and downstream operations

• Training, development, and accountability of machinists, leads, and support personnel

SMART Goals

• Strengthen machining safety culture by reinforcing safe work habits, equipment practices, and proper use of PPE.

• Improve machining stability and workflow by reinforcing standard work, addressing recurring constraints, and promoting consistent setup and execution discipline.

• Enhance product quality by supporting deviation reviews, improving machining methods, and reinforcing adherence to drawings and process controls.

• Support on-time delivery by improving coordination between machining, scheduling, foundry, and finishing to reduce delays and improve flow.

• Improve cost effectiveness by identifying opportunities to reduce rework, optimize setups, and improve efficient use of labor and materials.

• Develop machinists and leads through coaching, skill-building, cross-training, and reinforcement of expectations and accountability.

• Strengthen communication and collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to ensure machining processes meet downstream requirements and support overall production goals.

• Improve housekeeping, tool organization, and documentation consistency to support a clean, compliant, and efficient machining environment.