Machine Shop Operations Manager Missouri Precision Machining Wentzville, MO Job Details Part-time | Full-time $66,560 - $104,000 a year 23 hours ago Benefits Flexible schedule Qualifications Manufacturing management Teamwork Manufacturing facility experience Team development Organizational skills Milling machines Full Job Description About Missouri Precision Machining Missouri Precision Machining is a small, owner-operated CNC machine shop in Wentzville, Missouri. We specialize in prototype development, manufacturability support, short-run machining, and production work. We are building the foundation for our next stage of growth and need an experienced machinist who can take ownership of day-to-day production. About the Position We are seeking a hands-on Lead CNC Machinist / Shop Operations Manager who can independently manage jobs from production handoff through final inspection and shipment. The purpose of this position is to allow the owner to focus on customers, quoting, sales, meetings, and growing the business. Once a job is released to production, you will be trusted to determine how to get it completed efficiently, correctly, and on time. This is not currently a desk-management position or a role supervising a large existing team. You will initially work directly with the owner and spend significant time programming, setting up, troubleshooting, and operating CNC equipment. As the company grows, you will help develop its production systems and eventually assist with hiring, training, and managing additional employees. You will not be micromanaged, but you will be accountable for quality, productivity, organization, communication, and getting completed work out the door. Responsibilities Take ownership of daily shop operations and production after jobs are released to the floor. Review drawings, CAD models, specifications, quantities, and due dates. Develop efficient machining processes for prototype, short-run, and production work. Program, set up, prove out, troubleshoot, and operate CNC lathes and mills. Plan and manage job sequencing based on customer commitments and production priorities. Select appropriate tooling, workholding, cutting parameters, and machining strategies. Identify and order required tooling, material, and supplies within established guidelines. Resolve programming, machining, tooling, quality, and equipment problems without waiting for step-by-step direction. Communicate promptly when a problem could affect quality, cost, or delivery. Improve cycle times, tool life, process reliability, and overall shop efficiency. Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using standard precision measuring equipment. Ensure completed parts meet all drawing and customer requirements. Coordinate outside processing and prepare completed jobs for shipment. Maintain organized programs, setup sheets, tooling information, inspection records, and job documentation. Perform routine equipment maintenance and coordinate outside service when necessary. Provide input on manufacturability, tooling requirements, equipment needs, and realistic production times. Help develop repeatable procedures and production standards as the company grows. Help train and supervise future production employees. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment. Equipment and Technical Experience Our current equipment includes CNC turning capabilities with live tooling and Y-axis, CNC milling equipment, manual machining equipment, and standard inspection tools. We are evaluating future equipment upgrades and replacements. Experience adapting to different machines, controls, and CAM systems is more important than experience with one specific machine brand. The person selected for this position may also have input into future equipment, tooling, and process decisions. Qualifications Five or more years of hands-on CNC machining experience is preferred. Ability to independently program, set up, prove out, troubleshoot, and operate CNC equipment. Strong CNC turning experience is required; live-tool and Y-axis experience is highly preferred. CNC milling and CAM programming experience are strongly preferred. Ability to read engineering drawings and apply tolerances and GD&T. Proficiency with common precision measuring and inspection equipment. Experience in a high-mix job shop, prototype shop, or short-run production environment. Ability to determine machining processes, tooling, workholding, and realistic production times. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple active jobs. Sound judgment when balancing quality, delivery time, and production cost. Dependable, self-directed, and comfortable making routine production decisions independently. Willingness to take responsibility, communicate problems honestly, and follow jobs through completion. Leadership experience is preferred, but technical ability, initiative, and judgment are more important than a previous management title. A college degree is not required. The Person We Are Looking For The right candidate can look at a drawing or model, develop the manufacturing process, program and set up the equipment, produce a quality part, and carry the job through completion. When a problem arises, we need someone who investigates it, makes a sound decision, and keeps production moving. This position is best suited for someone who enjoys autonomy, takes pride in running an efficient shop, and wants to help build a growing manufacturing company. If you need a detailed task list every morning or prefer to wait for someone else to make routine production decisions, this will not be the right position. Schedule and Compensation Full-time is preferred. Part-time will be considered for an exceptionally qualified candidate who can maintain a dependable and consistent schedule. Primarily weekday daytime hours. $32-$50 per hour, based on experience and demonstrated ability to manage production independently. This is an on-site position and cannot be performed remotely. The company currently operates from a private shop on the owner's property in Wentzville, with plans to transition into commercial space as continued growth supports the move. How to Apply Please submit your résumé along with a short description of: The CNC machines and controls you have personally programmed and set up Your CNC turning, live-tooling, and milling experience The CAM software you have used The types of parts, materials, tolerances, and production quantities you have handled An example of a production or machining problem you personally took ownership of and solved Qualified candidates will be invited to tour the shop, review the equipment, and discuss the position and the company's growth plans.