Job Description

Machine Shop Manager

Location: Mooresville, NC (onsite)

Type: Full-time

Base Salary: $100,000 – $120,000, depending on experience

IST Precision Inc. is a machine design and manufacturing company in North Carolina that was established in 2001. We focus on precision instrumentation and automation equipment and have our own fabrication shop, machine design group, controls group, and panel shop. Our systems are used across telecommunications, space, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

We are expanding our in-house machining capability to support both prototype development and low-volume production, and we are looking for an experienced Machine Shop Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day operation and continued growth of our machine shop. This is a hands-on leadership role for a seasoned CNC machinist who can program, set up, and run machines, while also managing the people, processes, materials, equipment, and priorities needed to build a successful, growing shop.

We are looking for someone who wants to build something, not simply run a machine. You will have significant influence over how the shop operates, the equipment and processes we put in place, and the people we bring onto the team. As the company grows, this role will hire, train, and develop additional machine shop personnel, including CNC setup operators.

How This Role Fits With Engineering

We are not a job shop. Our machine shop makes parts for our own designs, working alongside our mechanical engineering, automation, and production teams. Much of the work is prototype and low-volume, high-mix machining of precision components that go into the systems we build and ship.

The Machine Shop Manager works directly with our engineers from early design through production, reviewing new parts for manufacturability, recommending changes to tolerances, materials, and machining approach, and setting realistic machining times. This role coordinates shop priorities with the broader manufacturing and engineering teams so prototype work moves quickly without disrupting production.

Learn more about our automation capabilities and the types of systems we build:

Key Responsibilities

Machine Shop Management

• Take ownership of the overall operation and performance of the machine shop.
• Plan, prioritize, and execute the daily and weekly machining schedule across engineering, prototype, and production requirements.
• Monitor machine utilization, capacity, and workflow, and develop processes that improve efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Establish and maintain organized, safe, and professional shop practices.
• Identify equipment, tooling, software, and process improvements needed to support company growth, and help plan long-term expansion of shop capability and capacity.
• Coordinate maintenance and upkeep of CNC machines, tooling, and shop equipment.
• Maintain appropriate levels of raw material, tooling, consumables, and shop supplies.

CNC Programming, Setup & Machining

• Program, set up, and operate 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling machines.
• Develop and optimize CNC programs using CAM software such as Mastercam.
• Develop machining strategies for prototype and low-volume production work.
• Independently complete complex setups; select tooling and establish feeds and speeds.
• Machine precision components primarily from aluminum, stainless steel, and other common engineering materials.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and technical documentation.
• Inspect completed parts with precision measurement equipment and hold tight tolerances to engineering requirements.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, and setup issues.

Hiring, Training & Team Development

• Interview, hire, and onboard CNC setup operators and other shop personnel as the shop expands.
• Develop training plans and set clear expectations for new employees.
• Train and mentor setup operators in machine operation, setups, tooling, inspection, and shop procedures, providing hands-on coaching and technical guidance.
• Develop employees’ skills and create opportunities for advancement as the company grows.
• Establish consistent work practices and quality expectations, providing leadership and accountability while maintaining a positive, team-oriented environment.

Engineering & Production Support

• Work directly with engineers on prototype and production components.
• Review new parts and designs for manufacturability, tooling requirements, and machining approach.
• Provide feedback to engineering on tolerances, materials, machining processes, and design improvements.
• Support prototype builds and low-volume production of complex components.
• Establish realistic machining times and production requirements, and coordinate shop activity with the broader manufacturing and engineering teams.

Minimum Requirements

• 8+ years of CNC machining experience, including CNC milling.
• Demonstrated ability to independently program, set up, and operate 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling machines.
• Proficiency with CAM software; Mastercam preferred.
• Strong understanding of G-code, tooling selection, feeds and speeds, and machining fundamentals.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD models, and GD&T.
• Experience holding tight tolerances on precision components, and proficiency with precision measurement equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, or lead other machinists or machine operators.
• Critical thinking and problem solving with strong attention to detail; able to make sound technical decisions independently.
• Initiative: doesn't wait to be told. Anticipates issues and proactively works to prevent or resolve them.
• Flexibility and adaptability: able to manage multiple competing priorities and change direction as required.
• Strong written and verbal communication and organizational skills, and the credibility to work effectively with machinists, engineers, vendors, and leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience managing or leading a small machine shop.
• Experience hiring, training, and developing machinists or CNC setup operators.
• Experience with Haas CNC machines.
• Experience with Mastercam and/or CIMCO Editor.
• Experience with manual or conversational mills, including Bridgeport-style machines.
• Background in prototype, low-volume, high-mix machining environments.
• Experience establishing machining processes and shop procedures.
• Experience purchasing tooling, materials, and machining supplies.
• Experience planning production schedules and managing competing priorities.
• Interest in advanced technology, automation, instrumentation, and engineering innovation.

Culture & Benefits

IST Precision offers a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work with a talented team of more than 30 engineers and technicians on complex, high-value systems, help build and lead an in-house machining operation, and have a direct impact on the equipment, processes, and people that make up our machine shop.

We are now accepting resumes for a full-time position. Competitive salary and benefits package will depend on skill level and experience. To be considered, please email your resume and optional cover letter as a PDF or Word file.

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) Matching

• 401(k) Bonus

• End of Year Bonus

• Dental Insurance

• Health Insurance

• Paid Time Off

• Vision Insurance

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