Machine Shop Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Background and Summary

Votaw Precision Technologies is a trusted leader in the manufacturing of complex precision components, assemblies, and systems for the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. With a strong reputation for technical excellence, quality craftsmanship, and on-time delivery, Votaw supports some of the world’s most demanding programs through its advanced manufacturing capabilities. The company specializes in precision machining, fabrication, welding, and complex assembly operations for mission-critical applications. Votaw Precision Technologies is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering best-in-class solutions to its customers.

The Machine Shop Manager (Weekend Shift) is responsible for leading the daily operations of a complex, high-precision machine shop specializing in close-tolerance manufacturing. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical machining expertise, operational leadership, and active involvement on the shop floor. The ideal candidate is a working manager who can lead by example, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, support machinists and programmers, and ensure delivery of high-quality parts in a fast-paced production environment. The Machine Shop Manager oversees machining operations, production scheduling, personnel development, quality compliance, process improvement, equipment utilization, and on-time delivery while maintaining a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions

• Lead daily machine shop operations involving CNC machining processes in a close-tolerance manufacturing environment.
• Provide hands-on technical support with machine setups, tooling selection, process troubleshooting, programming support, and production problem-solving.
• Supervise and mentor machinists, programmers, setup personnel, and shop support team.
• Drive production efficiency, quality performance, and on-time delivery objectives.
• Review and prioritize production schedules to ensure customer commitments are achieved.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Production Control, and Program Management teams to support new and existing programs.
• Ensure compliance with blueprint requirements, GD&T specifications, customer requirements, revision changes, and quality standards.
• Monitor shop capacity, labor utilization, machine efficiency, and workflow planning.
• Support first article inspections, process validations, and corrective actions.
• Oversee tooling management, fixture development, and process optimization efforts.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe manufacturing environment in compliance with company and 5S & OSHA standards.
• Assist with recruiting, hiring, training, performance management, and employee development.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, improving cycle times, and increasing throughput.
• Support ERP/MRP systems, labor reporting, and production tracking activities.
• Ensure proper maintenance and operational readiness of machine shop equipment.
• Coordinate with the Engineering and Programming Departments on new product development and implementation into production.
• Coordinate with the Quality Assurance Department to ensure inspection criteria are established and being followed.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing activity to ensure focus on core competencies and identify future growth opportunities to maximize use of in-house machining and manufacturing capabilities.
• Responsible for the initial review of product nonconformance’s and rework instructions when applicable.
• Advises customers on options for corrections, translates the customer’s instructions into planning, and monitors/manages the corrections to successful conclusion.
• Willing to setup and operate CNC machines when resources constraints occur.

Qualifications and Skills

Formal Education & Certification

• Minimum 7–10 years of machining experience in a close-tolerance, precision manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a machine shop environment.

Knowledge & Experience

• Strong knowledge of CNC machining, setup, tooling, feeds/speeds, and close-tolerance manufacturing processes.
• Direct experience with close-tolerance machining varying from 3-4-5 axis milling with competence with a variety of CNC Controls (Haas, Fanuc, Fidia, Siemens, Cincinatti, and Heindenhain).
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Experience working with aerospace, defense or other high-precision end-item flight hardware manufacturing industries preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Working knowledge of quality systems and inspection methods.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex 2D and 3D engineering drawings and specifications, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Comprehensive knowledge of various aerospace materials (e.g., aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, stainless steels, Inconel, and other exotic alloys) and their specific raw material forms and procurement standards.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Process-oriented mindset with the ability to develop and follow standardized estimating and quoting procedures.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and management.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook). Advanced Excel skills are highly desirable for cost modeling. Experience with ERP/MRP systems for labor and material tracking is a definite plus.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires the use of information or access to hardware subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by ITAR.

Personal Attributes

• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work with limited supervision including using sound judgment to execute independent decisions and departmental initiatives.
• Adept at reading, writing, and interpreting technical documentation and procedure manuals.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Skilled at working within a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Ability to learn new technologies and adapt to change.

Work Conditions

• This position requires a minimum of 40-hours onsite work week including weekends.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and to handle other computer components.
• Ability to work on the manufacturing floor for extended periods.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to safely operate and work around manufacturing equipment.

Required:

• Able to understand complex machining theory and strategy.
• Must be able to motivate, provide leadership and create a team environment.
• Ability to manage and prioritize a high number of set-ups and short run jobs.
• Able to understand and interrogate complex mechanical drawings and tolerances.
• Ability to develop and implement systems and procedures as they relate to process. development, process flow, quality assurance and work order documentation.
• Ability to institute process and procedural improvements in a job shop environment is required.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Votaw Precision Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets.