Machine Shop Project Manager Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

This role leads daily operations in a precision machine shop and tool room, overseeing machining personnel and ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production. You will coordinate schedules, manage resources, and drive continuous improvement to meet customer requirements and performance targets. The position combines hands-on CNC machining knowledge with strong leadership, production planning, and quality focus in a highly technical manufacturing environment.

• Lead and develop machinists, toolmakers, and manufacturing personnel to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.
• Coordinate daily production schedules, staffing levels, machine utilization, and workflow across the machine shop and tool room.
• Monitor key shop performance metrics, including productivity, scrap, rework, downtime, and on-time delivery, and take action to improve results.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T requirements throughout all machining activities.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Planning teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and improve performance.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Support employee training, coaching, and performance development to build a high-performing, accountable team.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment in the machine shop and tool room.
• Assist with capacity planning and resource allocation to meet current and future business objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence across the shop.
• Oversee and guide CNC machining operations, including setup and execution, to ensure consistent quality and adherence to specifications.
• Use root cause problem-solving methods to address quality issues, process deviations, and equipment-related problems.
• Support and uphold quality systems, procedures, and standards relevant to precision and regulated manufacturing environments.

• At least 5 years of machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous supervisory, lead, or management experience in a machine shop or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining operations, including CNC machines, machining processes, and tooling.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T requirements.
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, and workflow management in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and team development skills, with the ability to drive accountability and performance.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with performance metrics such as productivity, scrap, rework, downtime, and on-time delivery.
• Hands-on familiarity with machine shop operations, including lathes, fabrication, and industrial machining processes.
• Ability to apply Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles to improve productivity and reduce waste.

• Experience in precision manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
• Background in welding or fabrication within an industrial or machine shop environment.
• Exposure to or formal training in Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and industry standards relevant to precision manufacturing.
• Experience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Competence in using key performance indicators (KPIs) to manage and improve shop performance.
• Advanced blueprint reading skills and strong understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

You will join a precision-focused manufacturing environment that values operational excellence, continuous improvement, and employee development. The culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and accountability, giving you the opportunity to lead a skilled team and directly influence shop performance. You can grow your leadership capabilities while working with advanced machining technologies and contributing to high-impact, technically challenging projects.

The role is based in a precision machine shop and tool room environment that utilizes CNC machines, lathes, fabrication equipment, and other industrial machining tools. You will work closely with cross-functional teams in Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Planning, with a strong emphasis on adherence to engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T. The shop operates with structured production schedules and performance metrics, requiring careful coordination of staffing, machine utilization, and workflow. The environment prioritizes safety, organization, and efficiency, with a continuous improvement mindset and consistent use of quality systems and Lean practices.

This is a Permanent position based out of Saint Joseph, MO.

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $105000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

BenefitsCompetitive compensation based on experienceComprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage401(k) with company matchPaid time off and holidaysCareer growth and advancement opportunitiesStable manufacturing environment with modern equipment and technology

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Joseph,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 12, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.