Production CNC & Tooling Manager

Production CNC & Tooling Manager

Location:

Buena Park, CA
Salary: $85,000 - $120,000
Full Time - Day Shift
Direct Hire

The CNC & Tooling Manager oversees the machining and tooling departments, ensuring high‑efficiency production and rigorous quality control. This hands‑on leadership role requires advanced technical proficiency in CNC equipment, multi‑axis programming, and manufacturing software.

• Lead, schedule, and supervise a team of skilled CNC machinists and technical programmers.
• Train and mentor staff on industry best practices, precision machining techniques, and Lean methodologies.
• Foster a high‑performance culture centered on accountability, shop‑floor safety, and professional development.
• Oversee programming and troubleshooting of diverse CNC machinery (including multi‑axis mills, lathes, and routers).
• Review and validate G‑code, CAM toolpaths, and CAD/CAM files to ensure "right‑first‑time" production.
• Manage tooling selection, custom setup optimization, and CNC process development for new product introductions.
• Maintain equipment reliability through oversight of preventive maintenance and performance monitoring.
• Manage shop floor workflow to consistently meet or exceed 92% of monthly production targets.
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks using Lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Analyze operational data to standardize work instructions and drive measurable gains in machine uptime.
• Lead initiatives to reduce scrap and rework, aiming for a 12% reduction in operational waste annually.
• Apply Lean methodologies, including SMED and Root Cause Analysis (RCA), to improve cycle times.
• Partner with Quality Assurance and Engineering to resolve technical non‑conformances and implement long‑term corrective actions.
• Utilize industry‑standard CAM software for high‑efficiency programming and simulation.
• Leverage ERP/MRP systems to manage scheduling, inventory levels, and work order accuracy.
• Track and report on KPI’s including machine utilization and unscheduled downtime.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or a related technical discipline; equivalent combination of advanced certifications and practical experience will be considered.
• Professional
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum of 12 years of hands‑on experience in CNC machining and programming within a high‑precision regulated industry (e.g., Aerospace, Medical Device, or specialized Automotive).
• Leadership
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum 6 years in a formal people‑management or supervisory role with a proven track record of team accountability.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Expert proficiency in G‑code and CAM software.
• Extensive experience with 4‑ and 5‑axis CNC controllers and complex machine setups.
• Mastery of blueprint reading and advanced GD&T application.
• Methodologies:
  Strong background in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt methodologies.
• Innovation:
  Experience with automated manufacturing processes, including robotic integration and in‑process probing.