Machine Shop Project Manager Jobs in Mississippi

Machine Shop and Fabrication Manager
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Machine Shop and Fabrication Manager.
Position Details
Location
Marine Research Center
1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport
Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501
United States
Division
Ocean Enterprise
Position Type
Staff
Employment Status
Full Time
Grant Funded
Yes
Salary Range
52,995.00 - 71,699.00
Pay Grade
E11
Posting Close Date
August 18, 2026
Special Instructions to ApplicantsApplicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The MachineShop and Fabrication Manager is responsible for the overall management andoperation of the machine shop, including personnel, equipment, productionschedules, and customer service. The position establishes and maintains shoppolicies, procedures, safety standards, and quality controls to ensureefficient and effective operations. The Machine Shop and Fabrication Managersets up, operates, and maintains conventional, Computer Numerical Control(CNC), and specialized machining equipment to fabricate metallic andnon-metallic components to required specifications and tolerances. The positioninterprets blueprints, CAD drawings, sketches, and technical specifications todetermine materials, dimensions, and machining requirements. The positionsupports business development by promoting machine shop capabilities,developing relationships with new and existing customers, preparing projectquotations and cost estimates, and identifying opportunities to expandservices. The Machine Shop and Fabrication Manager coordinates shop activitiesand resources to support research, fabrication, maintenance, and operationalneeds while providing high-quality service to internal and external customers.Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Set up and operate conventional, CNC, and specialized machine tools to develop, modify, fabricate, and test machined components, assemblies, and prototypes.
2. Interpret drawings, blueprints, CAD models, sketches, and technical specifications to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with design requirements.
3. Apply advanced shop mathematics and machining principles to determine dimensions, tolerances, layouts, tooling requirements, and machine setup parameters.
4. Manage machine shop operations by preparing quotations and cost estimates, scheduling projects, assigning work, tracking production activities, completing work orders, and coordinating billing for internal and external customers.
5. Support business development efforts by promoting machine shop capabilities, developing relationships with new and existing customers, identifying opportunities for growth, and assisting with the development of new service offerings.
6. Establish, implement, and maintain shop operating procedures, quality standards, safety policies, and equipment usage guidelines to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
7. Oversee and maintain inventories of raw materials, tooling, spare parts, and supplies to support production requirements and minimize operational downtime.
8. Perform or coordinate non-routine maintenance, repair, lubrication, calibration, and cleaning of machine tools, equipment, and related mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
9. Ensure compliance with applicable University policies, safety regulations, environmental requirements, and machine shop best practices while maintaining a safe and organized work environment.
10. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Associate'sdegree from an accredited college or university in Manufacturing Technology,Machine Tool Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, IndustrialTechnology, or a related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsibleexperience in a metalworking or manufacturing environment. Or an equivalent combination of education andexperience totaling seven (7) years. Experience must include CNC programmingand operation of 3-axis milling machines, lathes, and other machine shopequipment; interpreting technical drawings and specifications; and workingwithin an established quality management system.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, presentation abilities, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make independent technical, operational, and business decisions while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare project quotations, cost estimates, work scopes, and schedules for machine shop projects.
• Ability to develop, implement, and maintain machine shop policies, procedures, safety standards, operating practices, and training programs.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and related software tools.
• Skill in operating conventional and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools while maintaining precise tolerances and quality standards.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent computer-aided design (CAD) software and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems.
• Skill in designing and fabricating fixtures, tooling, and work-holding devices for machining operations.
• Knowledge of machining practices, manufacturing processes, welding, sheet metal fabrication, composites fabrication, and prototype development.
• Knowledge of precision measuring instruments and their proper application, including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, indicators, and height gauges.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and provide training on machine shop equipment and safe operating procedures.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate machine shop operations, manage multiple projects, and support business development activities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) for access to secure port facilities.
• Ability to participate in hurricane preparedness and emergency response activities, including facility preparations and evacuation efforts.

Preferred Qualifications
Ten (10) ormore years of experience in a manufacturing or machine shop environment withemphasis on CNC operations, lathes, mills, and sheet metal fabrication. Three(3) or more years of experience programming and operating 5-axis millingmachines.
Experiencein machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, composites manufacturing, andprototype development. Experience managing machine shop operations, preparingproject quotations, and supporting business development activities. Arecognized certificate in Machine Tool Technology, Manufacturing Technology,CNC Programming, or a related field is preferred.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.