Production Manager (Machine Shop

Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) is a leading manufacturer specializing in forged, flow-formed, and machined products for the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. With over 25 years of experience, AST has built a strong reputation for precision engineering, innovation, and high-quality manufacturing.

Located in Oxnard, California, AST operates out of a cutting-edge facility spanning over 250,000 sq. ft., including our newest expansion completed in 2024. AST employs approximately 195 skilled professionals across multi-shift operations, ensuring efficiency, precision, and timely delivery for mission-critical industries.

We are seeking a hands‑on, results-driven Production Manager to lead day‑to‑day operations in our Machine Shop. This individual will be responsible for managing machinists, setup personnel, and shop support staff, as well as production schedules, workflow, and job execution across our CNC and manual machining centers, while ensuring quality, efficiency, and on‑time delivery. The ideal candidate has experience working in a manufacturing environment, strong leadership and management skills, and a solid understanding of production principles and objectives.

Previous machine shop lead or supervisory experience is preferred but not required; a proven production leader who is willing to learn the machining side of the business will be fully supported.

• Manage machine shop workflow, labor allocation, machine utilization, and production priorities throughout the day.
• Set clear performance expectations and hold machinists, setup personnel, and operators accountable for safety, quality, productivity, and attendance.
• Maintain effective communication between the machine shop and the engineering, programming, quality, and maintenance departments.
• Track job status through the machine shop and ensure material, tooling, fixtures, and parts are staged, released, and completed according to schedule.
• Identify and address production delays, machine downtime, setup and workflow issues, and other operational challenges on the shop floor.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including machine uptime and utilization, throughput, scrap and rework, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Coach, mentor, and develop machinists and shop personnel to strengthen performance, teamwork, accountability, and cross‑training across machine centers.
• Participate in daily production meetings and provide machine shop performance updates to leadership.
• Work with engineering, programming, quality, and maintenance teams to resolve machining, tooling, or equipment issues and minimize machine downtime.
• Lead and supervise daily machine shop production activities to ensure jobs are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

• Five to seven years of leadership or management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership, team‑management, and employee‑development skills.
• Previous machine shop lead or supervisory experience preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with production and manufacturing principles, processes, and objectives.
• Strong understanding of production planning, workflow management, and shop‑floor operations.
• Hands‑on leadership style and willingness to remain actively involved on the production floor.
• Proven ability to coordinate across departments and motivate employees to meet production goals.
• Experience with ERP systems, production tracking, and job documentation preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills.
• High school diploma or GED required; technical training or coursework in manufacturing, operations, or management preferred

At AST, we believe in fostering a work environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Company‑Sponsored Life Insurance
• Short‑term and Long‑term Disability Coverage
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
• Schedule: Monday – Friday (+ Saturdays as needed)
• Expected
  
  Hours:
  
  40 hours per week (+ overtime as needed)