Director of Machining
Director of Machining
Location: Jessup, MD or Clinton, MA (On‑site)
Travel: Up to 25%
Employment Type: Full‑Time | Exempt
Industry: Space & Defense | Precision Manufacturing
A leading Space and Defense manufacturer is seeking a Director of Machining to own end‑to‑end machining strategy and execution at a high‑precision production site. This role leads machining operations at scale, drives continuous improvement, and builds a culture of accountability, execution excellence, and results.
This is a hands‑on leadership position responsible for people, process, and performance - ideal for a machining leader who thrives in complex, regulated manufacturing environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a high‑performing machining organization, including supervisors, managers, and skilled contributors
- Own machining strategy across tooling, fixturing, CNC programming, and process optimization
- Oversee high‑precision CNC machining operations in an aerospace/defense environment
- Drive performance using SQDC principles (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost)
- Optimize labor‑to‑machine ratios, spindle utilization, and throughput
- Reduce machine downtime and increase time between machine stops
- Establish standardized work for programming, setup, tooling, and inspection
- Lead shop‑floor scheduling strategy, staffing models, and machine loading
- Champion advanced machining techniques including dynamic milling, adaptive machining, and distortion control
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver safety, quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency goals
- Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives (5S, OEE, defect prevention)
- Serve as escalation point for complex machining, quality, and production issues
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
- 15+ years of experience in high‑precision aluminum machining
- 5+ years of people‑management experience in a production environment
- Experience supporting AS9100 / aerospace & defense production
- Demonstrated success scaling machining operations (growth, new programs, or expansions)
- Strong expertise in:
- CNC machining and Mastercam programming
- 5‑axis machining
- GD&T and blueprint interpretation
- Lean manufacturing and OEE‑based metrics
- Root cause analysis and quality system requirements
- Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt preferred
- U.S. Person status required (ITAR compliance)
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $145,000 - $200,000, based on experience and qualifications
- Comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 401(k) with employer match
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance (HSA/FSA options available)
- Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability
- Company‑paid life insurance and employee assistance program
- 3 weeks of vacation, paid sick/safe leave, and 10 paid company holidays
- Continuing education reimbursement
- Worksite product options
- Generous referral program
FAQs
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