Mill Department Manager

The Mill Department Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution, performance, and discipline of all milling operations, including vertical and 5-axis machining. This role ensures machines are running efficiently, setups are executed correctly, schedules are met, and quality expectations are upheld through strong leadership and process control.

The Mill Department Manager is accountable for throughput, utilization, labor efficiency, and execution-level quality within the milling department. This role does not own programming standards or quality systems governance but works closely with Programming and Quality Control to ensure flawless execution on the floor.

• Manufacturing Execution & Department Leadership
  • Own daily execution of the milling schedule and ensure jobs are completed on time.
  • Lead and supervise all Mill Machinists assigned to the department.
  • Assign work, manage priorities, and adjust staffing to meet schedule demands.
  • Maintain a safe, organized, and disciplined work environment.
• Machine Utilization & Throughput
  • Maximize spindle uptime and minimize unplanned downtime.
  • Ensure efficient job changeovers and setup execution.
  • Identify bottlenecks and elevate constraints to the Director of Manufacturing.
  • Support lights‑out or extended‑run strategies where applicable.
  • Assist as needed finalizing programs in Mastercam.
• Setups, Tooling & Process Execution
  • Assist with complex setups and first‑run jobs.
  • Verify tooling, fixturing, and work holding prior to job release.
  • Collaborate with Programming on setup strategy, tool selection, and process improvements.
  • Ensure operators follow approved setups and programs without unauthorized changes.
• Quality Execution (QC‑Aligned, Not QA‑Owned)
  • Ensure first‑piece inspections are completed before full production runs.
  • Work with Quality Control to resolve in‑process inspection issues quickly.
  • Support containment actions when quality issues arise.
  • Reinforce process discipline to prevent scrap and rework.
  • (QA owns systems and audits; the Mill Department Manager owns execution on the floor.)
• Labor & Performance Management
  • Monitor machinist performance, efficiency, and adherence to standards.
  • Provide on‑the‑job coaching, feedback, and corrective action when required.
  • Support cross‑training and skill development within the milling team.
  • Participate in performance reviews and succession planning discussions.
  • Participate in daily huddles and weekly production meetings.
  • Communicate schedule risks, machine issues, or manpower gaps early.
  • Provide accurate status updates to Director of Manufacturing and Planning.
  • Maintain clean, real‑time job status visibility in Pro Shop.

• Machine utilization (especially bottleneck assets)
• Labor efficiency vs. routing standards
• Setup time adherence
• Scrap and rework attributable to execution
• Safety incidents (zero tolerance mindset)

• 5+ years of hands‑on CNC milling experience (3‑, 4‑, and/or 5‑axis).
• Prior leadership or lead machinist experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, and fixturing.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience working in a job shop or high‑mix, low‑volume environment.
• Comfortable using ERP/MES systems (Pro Shop preferred).

• Experience with 5‑axis machining centers and complex setups.
• Prior responsibility for machine scheduling or department coordination.
• Experience mentoring and developing machinists.
• Exposure to aerospace, defense, or other high‑precision industries.
• Mastercam
• Strong ownership mentality and accountability for results.
• Calm, decisive leadership under production pressure.
• Clear communicator with machinists, programmers, and leadership.
• High standards for safety, quality, and discipline.
• Continuous improvement mindset focused on execution excellence.

Coastal Machine & Supply is a fully digital precision manufacturing company serving customers in aerospace, defense, space, and energy. We are a family‑oriented organization with a strong culture of accountability, partnership, and execution—focused on building long‑term careers, not just filling roles.