Mill Department Manager

The Mill Department Manager is responsible for leading daily operations of the CNC milling department within an AS9100-certified, ITAR-compliant precision machining environment. This role oversees 11 total machinists across 1st and 2nd shift, ensures production goals are met, supports programming and setup activities, and drives continuous improvement initiatives. The Mill Department Manager will help strengthen a clean, training-focused culture while supporting the company’s transition toward Mastercam programming and paperless manufacturing processes.

The Mill Department Manager is responsible for leading daily operations of the CNC milling department within an AS9100-certified, ITAR-compliant precision machining environment.

• Lead CNC milling department operations to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals are consistently achieved
• Directly manage 9 machinists on 1st shift and support 2 machinists on 2nd shift in coordination with the night supervisor
• Provide daily prioritization, scheduling guidance, and coordination to meet customer and internal production demands
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient shop environment aligned with company standards
• Assist with CNC programming support, troubleshooting, and process optimization
• Provide hands‑on guidance for setups, tooling, and fixturing as needed to keep production running efficiently
• Collaborate with machinists to reduce setup times, improve cycle times, and drive repeatable quality outcomes
• Support the company transition to Mastercam and help implement best practices and programming standards
• Oversee milling production across 9 CNC machines, including:
• (4) 5‑axis DMG Mori CNC Mills
• (5) 3‑axis and 4‑axis Mazak CNC Mills
• Ensure consistent performance when machining exotics and hard metals, including:
• Stainless steels and age‑hardened stainless
• Inconel and high‑temp alloys
• Aluminum and other specialty alloys
• Troubleshoot issues related to tool life, feeds/speeds, work holding, and surface finish requirements
• Ensure department adherence to AS9100 requirements, internal procedures, and customer specifications
• Maintain compliance with ITAR regulations and export‑controlled handling requirements
• Promote right‑first‑time quality through training, inspection awareness, and process accountability
• Participate in audits and support corrective action and continuous improvement efforts
• Lead with a family‑oriented, employee‑focused approach aligned with company core values
• Train, coach, and develop machinists through consistent feedback and support
• Promote a growth mindset and culture of learning, continuous improvement, and teamwork
• Encourage standard work, cross‑training, and skill progression within the department

• Previous leadership experience in a CNC machining or milling environment (Supervisor, Lead, or Manager level)
• Strong working knowledge of:
• CNC milling operations (3‑axis, 4‑axis, and 5‑axis)
• Machinist setups, tooling selection, and machining strategies
• Blueprint reading and GD&T fundamentals
• Process troubleshooting and production workflow
• Experience working in an AS9100‑certified manufacturing environment
• Experience working in an ITAR‑compliant shop or similar controlled manufacturing environment
• Ability to lead and support a team of machinists through accountability, coaching, and training

• Programming experience and/or strong understanding of CNC programming principles
• Familiarity with Mastercam (or ability to support transition from current CAM platform)
• Prior experience driving paperless manufacturing initiatives or digital documentation systems
• Experience machining tight‑tolerance aerospace or defense components

• Manufacturing and shop‑floor environment with exposure to typical machining conditions (noise, coolants, moving equipment)
• Must be able to stand/walk for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs with assistance as needed
• Must be able to wear required PPE and comply with safety standards

• Pay Rate: $40–$50/hour (based on experience and qualifications)
• Overtime:
  Paid at 1.5x after 40 hours/week
• Quarterly Bonus Program:
  Paid out quarterly and based on factors including pay rate, tenure, and performance metrics

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.