Welding and Machining Manager

Summary: The Welding and Machining Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all aspects of machining and welding, in a high-mix, low-volume production environment. This role ensures projects are optimized for flexibility, precision, and efficiency while maintaining adherence to industry standards and customer specifications. A safety-first culture, adaptability, and process improvement are key priorities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Plan, prioritize, and schedule machining operations, including CNC and manual machining, to meet the dynamic requirements of high-mix, low-volume production.
• Develop and implement machining processes that accommodate a variety of materials, designs, and complex parts while maintaining tight tolerances (up to 0.0005").
• Perform or oversee complex machining operations, including programming CNC machines using CAM systems (e.g., Mastercam) and hands-on troubleshooting.
• Optimize machine setups, changeovers, and tooling to minimize downtime and adapt to constantly shifting job priorities.
• Monitor and adjust production schedules to account for material availability, design changes, and customer demands.
• Lead quoting efforts for machining jobs, including material selection, process definition, and tooling requirements, with a focus on achieving cost efficiency in low-volume runs.
• Coordinate welding projects with a focus on custom and specialized applications that complement machining operations.
• Develop and implement welding procedures (WPS) that align with the unique needs of low-volume, specialized production.
• Perform welding inspections to ensure compliance with AWS and ASME standards for custom jobs.
• Lead machining and welding projects from start to finish, managing diverse and custom production orders.
• Design and develop fixturing and tooling solutions to accommodate unique, one-off, or short-run production requirements.
• Manage machining technicians and subcontractors to ensure production flexibility and alignment with high-mix job demands.
• Draft and implement detailed work instructions, process routings, and labor standards tailored to small-batch production.
• Conduct post-job reviews to identify opportunities for cost and time savings in future high-mix operations.
• Document and maintain machining and welding logs, including training records, equipment maintenance, and process performance.
• Manage the fleet of machining and welding equipment, ensuring maintenance schedules and operational readiness for quick project turnarounds.
• Oversee inventory control of tooling, fixtures, and consumables to meet the demands of diverse, small-batch jobs.
• Train and certify personnel in machining techniques, CNC programming, and efficient setups tailored for high-mix, low-volume workflows.
• Serve as the technical authority on machining and welding processes, ensuring alignment with the challenges of high-mix, low-volume production.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards, GD&T principles, and tight-tolerance machining requirements.
• Provide leadership in continuous improvement initiatives, tool selection, and capital equipment upgrades that enhance production flexibility.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; journeyman machinist or tool and die maker certification strongly preferred.
• Certifications: AWS and ASME certifications required; advanced knowledge of CAM programming and GD&T essential.
• Experience:
• 10 years in CNC machining (Vertical, Horizontal, and Turning Centers) with a focus on high-mix, low-volume production.
• Proven ability to manage tight-tolerance machining and complex setups for diverse projects.
• Extensive experience in programming (G-code, CAM software), tool selection, and fixture design.
• Proficiency in welding processes (GMAW, FCAW, TIG) and AWS/ASME standards.

Skills:

• Expert-level knowledge of machining principles, CNC programming, and GD&T interpretation.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with a focus on high-mix, low-volume operations.
• Proficiency with machining-related software (e.g., Mastercam, ERP systems) and tools.
• Mechanical aptitude, problem-solving ability, and a commitment to safety and quality.

In-Place Machining is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of, race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.