Machine Shop Manager

Job Description

Oak is seeking a Machine Shop Manager to take full ownership of our machining operations. This is a leadership role for a highly experienced machinist who is also fluent in modern CNC programming, quoting, and quality control. You’ll be responsible for running the shop—people, parts, and processes—with minimal oversight.

You’ll receive quote requests from our sales team and be expected to independently assess risk, set schedule, prepare accurate labor/material estimates, and advise when to decline opportunities. Once jobs are approved, you’ll oversee execution: material sourcing, programming, tooling, setups, quality assurance, and delivery—while mentoring junior machinists and operators. This role is critical to ensuring that Oak delivers high-quality, defect-free parts on time and on budget.

Key Responsibilities

Shop Leadership & Operations

• Serve as the primary authority for all machine shop activities, including planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

Quoting & Project Intake

• Receive quote requests from the sales team and develop accurate labor, material, and machine time estimates.
• Evaluate technical risks and determine when to no-bid or propose alternative solutions.
• Select appropriate tooling, materials, and fixturing approaches for each job.
• Be familiar with the Xometry quoting pipeline to keep shop utilization at a maximum

Programming & Machining

• Generate CAM tool paths and G-code for 3-axis and 5-axis indexed CNC equipment.
• Set up and operate machines as needed, particularly for complex or high-tolerance parts.
• Ensure parts are manufactured according to customer specifications and tolerances.

Quality Control & Rework

• Conduct in-process and final inspections using calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and other measurement tools.
• Identify non-conformances and direct or perform necessary rework.
• Maintain documentation in line with ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality systems, including traceability and inspection records.

Tooling & Process Optimization

• Identify when new or alternative tooling is required and procure it independently.
• Recommend process improvements and cost-saving strategies.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to continuously refine shop capabilities and throughput.
• Supervise, mentor, and support machinists and CNC operators, fostering a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of machining experience, with both manual and CNC equipment.
• Extensive experience with CAM software (Fusion 360, Mastercam, or equivalent) and generating complex tool paths.
• Extensive experience with 5-axis machining
• Demonstrated ability to quote jobs accurately and assess manufacturability and risk.
• Proven leadership in a machine shop environment, including supervision and training.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality systems, documentation, and inspection processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills for interfacing with sales, customers, and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or medical manufacturing.
• Prior responsibility for departmental budgets, procurement, or tooling inventory.
• Exposure to ERP or job tracking software.
• Experience with automation and optimizing output in a machining environment

Why Join Oak?

• Innovative Environment: Work with a modern shop outfitted with state-of-the-art CNC machines and programming tools.
• Cutting-Edge Work – Support fast-paced production of precision parts for aerospace, defense, and advanced systems.
• Growth Opportunity – Help shape and scale a growing company’s core machining capability.
• Team Culture: Collaborate with a passionate group of professionals who value efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement.