Welding and Machining Supervisor

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.