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Machine Shop Supervisor

The Machine Shop Supervisor is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing daily operations within the machining department. This position leads a team of machinists and machine operators while actively supporting setups, troubleshooting machining issues, optimizing production processes, and ensuring parts meet customer specifications.

The ideal candidate is an experienced machinist with strong leadership skills who can balance shop floor supervision with technical machining expertise. They serve as the primary resource for machining best practices, setup efficiency, quality standards, employee development, and production execution in a high-mix, custom manufacturing environment.

This role reports to the Plant Manager and works closely with Quality, Estimating, Engineering, and Production Planning to ensure customer requirements are met safely, efficiently, and on time.

Key Responsibilities

Machining Leadership & Supervision

• Lead, coach, and support a team of machinists and machine operators.
• Serve as the technical expert and primary resource for machining processes, setups, tooling, and problem solving.
• Assign work based on employee skill levels, machine capabilities, and production priorities.
• Train new machinists and cross-train employees to build departmental flexibility.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and safety.
• Conduct employee evaluations and assist in career development planning.

Production & Workflow Management

• Coordinate daily machining schedules to meet production commitments and customer delivery dates.
• Monitor job progress and proactively address bottlenecks, machine downtime, tooling issues, or capacity constraints.
• Verify jobs are set up correctly and operators have the tools, materials, and documentation needed for success.
• Work closely with Production Planning to adjust priorities as customer needs change.
• Support efficient machine utilization while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Technical Machining Support

• Assist with machine setups, first-piece approvals, and complex machining operations when needed.
• Troubleshoot machining problems involving tooling, work holding, programming, material conditions, or machine performance.
• Read and interpret blueprints, customer prints, specifications, and work instructions.
• Review machining methods and recommend improvements to reduce setup time and improve efficiency.
• Optimize tooling selection, feeds, speeds, and cutting strategies to improve productivity and part quality.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all machined parts meet customer requirements, print specifications, and quality standards.
• Promote proper inspection techniques and adherence to documented quality procedures.
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions related to scrap, rework, and customer concerns.
• Support ISO 9001 quality system requirements and departmental documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, and waste reduction.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Maintain a safe work environment by enforcing company safety policies and OSHA requirements.
• Lead departmental safety discussions and identify opportunities to improve workplace safety.
• Ensure proper use of PPE and safe machine operating practices.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient machining area.
• Support 5S and workplace organization initiatives.

Equipment & Tooling Management

• Monitor machine condition and coordinate preventive maintenance activities.
• Report equipment issues promptly and assist with troubleshooting and repairs.
• Manage tooling inventories and identify tooling needs before shortages impact production.
• Recommend machine, tooling, or fixture improvements that increase efficiency and capability.

Communication & Coordination

• Communicate production status, priorities, and issues to management.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Estimating, and Fabrication departments to support customer requirements.
• Participate in production meetings and contribute to scheduling, capacity planning, and process improvement discussions.
• Assist in evaluating machinery, tooling, and workflow improvements.

Qualifications

Experience

• 5+ years of machining experience in a manufacturing or job shop environment.
• 2+ years of supervisory, lead machinist, or team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong background in CNC machining, setups, tooling, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with both prototype and production machining environments preferred.

Technical Skills

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, cutting tools, workholding, and inspection techniques.
• Experience with CNC mills, lathes, and related machining equipment.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (JobBOSS experience preferred).
• Working knowledge of quality systems and inspection procedures.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical degree or Machining Technology certification preferred.

Key Competencies

Technical Expertise

Demonstrates advanced machining knowledge and serves as a mentor and resource for the department.

Leadership

Builds trust, develops people, and holds team members accountable while maintaining a positive work environment.

Problem Solving

Quickly identifies root causes and implements practical solutions to machining, quality, and production challenges.

Decision Making

Able to prioritize work and make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Communication

Provides clear direction, constructive feedback, and effective coordination between departments.

Continuous Improvement

Constantly seeks opportunities to improve quality, productivity, efficiency, and employee development.

Why This Role Matters

The Machine Shop Supervisor plays a critical role in Finn-Kool's success by ensuring machined components are produced safely, efficiently, and to customer specifications. By combining strong machining expertise with effective leadership, this position helps develop employees, improve performance, reduce waste, and maintain the high level of quality and service our customers expect.