Machine Shop Lead Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title:                Machine Shop Manager                                                     Job Status:                        Full Time

Department:        Machining                                                             Reports To:                       Director, Engineering & Production Programs

FLSA Status:          Exempt                                                        Travel Requirements:   NA

Work Schedule: 6:00 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.                                      Work Location:                Santa Ana, CA

POSITION SUMMARY:

All American Racers is searching for a Machine Shop Manager to take full ownership of a six-mill CNC machine shop for a growing space & defense manufacturer that runs both composites and precision machining. This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced machinist who is equally fluent in CAM programming, setups, quoting, and quality control. You will run the shop end to end — building quoting, material planning, and production scheduling; assessing manufacturability and technical risk; and driving execution across programming, setups, tooling, inspection, and on-time delivery — all while mentoring the next generation of machinists and operators.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Take full ownership of end-to-end machine shop production; monitor KPIs and drive improvements across quality, throughput, cost, and delivery.

• Serve as the primary authority for shop operations — production planning, scheduling, capacity planning, resource allocation, and tooling.

• Review quote requests and build accurate labor, material, tooling, and machine-time estimates; assess manufacturability, technical risk, and no-bid or alternate-solution opportunities.

• Select the right materials, tooling, fixtures, machining methods, and work holding for each job.

• Generate CAM toolpaths and G-code for 3-axis and 5-axis indexed CNC equipment.

• Set up and operate manual and CNC equipment as needed — particularly for complex, high-tolerance, prototype, or production parts.

• Ensure parts are built to customer specifications, drawings, tolerances, and quality requirements.

• Perform and oversee in-process and final inspection using calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and other precision equipment; identify nonconformances and direct or perform rework.

• Maintain quality, traceability, inspection, and production documentation in line with ISO 9001 and AS9100.

• Identify, source, and procure tooling, fixtures, materials, and equipment.

• Own ERP configuration and transactions — work order releases, BOMs, routers, labor tracking, daily balancing, and quality records.

• Supervise, develop, and mentor machinists and CNC operators; build a culture of quality, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Keep the shop clean, organized, and safe, and partner with leadership on capability, capacity, throughput, automation, and cost-saving initiatives.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Hands-on experience across both composite manufacturing and CNC mill machining — this role spans both disciplines.

• 7+ years of machining experience across manual and CNC equipment, including a CNC mill environment.

• Strong CAM programming and machine setup experience (Fusion 360, Mastercam, or equivalent), generating complex toolpaths and G-code for 3- and 5-axis work.

• Demonstrated ability to build and own quoting, material planning, and production scheduling.

• Proven experience assessing manufacturability and technical risk, developing accurate labor/material estimates, and making no-bid or alternate-solution calls.

• Prior leadership, supervisory, training, or mentoring experience in a machine shop.

• Strong command of GD&T, engineering drawings, machining methods, tooling, fixturing, work holding, and inspection practices.

• Proficiency with precision inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, CMMs) and with ERP/MRP or job-tracking systems; advanced Excel.

• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems — inspection, traceability, and documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, medical, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.

• Prior responsibility for departmental budgets, procurement, tooling inventory, or capital equipment recommendations.

• Experience implementing automation, lean, or other initiatives to improve machining output and efficiency.

COMPETENCIES:

Technical Mastery: Advanced knowledge of machining practices, materials (including aluminum, steel, and composite tooling board), and CNC operations.

Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to coach junior machinists, enforce quality standards, and lead with professionalism on the shop floor.

Quality Focus: Commitment to producing parts that meet or exceed aerospace-level tolerances and specifications.

Problem Solving: Skilled in diagnosing and resolving machining challenges and improving manufacturing efficiency.

Process Discipline: Adheres to SOPs, work instructions, and safety protocols, while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or certifications in machining or CNC operations preferred.

Experience: 7-10 years in a similar role.

§ Preferred specific composites and aerospace industry experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or crouch; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment is primarily a machine shop setting with exposure to noise, lubricants, and composite dust.

Proper use of PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe footwear is required.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment.

Apex Space and Defense prides itself on delivering the highest quality, large- and small-scale composite structures for our aerospace, defense, and commercial customers. APEX, Santa Ana, has over 50 years of experience from our roots in auto racing through years of supporting aerospace and defense. The key to our success is largely dependent on our dedicated family of hard-working team members with a can-do attitude. We’re currently searching for a Service Technician to join our ranks and continue our tradition of success.