Machine Shop Manager in Hampton, Virginia at Advex Corporation

Location – 41 Research Dr. Hampton, VA 23666
Employment Type – Full-Time
Work Schedule – (4) 10-hour work schedule, Monday – Thursday

The Machine Shop Manager is responsible for leading all machine shop operations in support of a high demand manufacturing environment serving the defense industry. This role ensures safe, efficient, and high-quality production while supporting operational scalability, workforce development, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

The Machine Shop Manager partners closely with Executive Leadership, Production Planning, Quality Assurance, Weld Engineering, Human Resources, Purchasing, Shipping & Receiving, and other cross functional departments to drive operational performance, improve workflow efficiency, and maintain production excellence aligned with customer, regulatory, and contractual requirements.

The Machine Shop Manager serves as a key operational leader responsible for overseeing the daily performance, productivity, and continuous improvement of Advex Corporation’s Machine Shop operations. This position maintains full operational ownership of the Machine Shop and supports manufacturing efforts tied to mission critical components for submarines, aircraft carriers, and other defense related programs.

The role is responsible for developing scalable production processes, maintaining production flow, supporting first time quality, and fostering a culture of accountability, urgency, safety, and teamwork within a fast paced manufacturing environment. The Machine Shop Manager must be capable of aligning Executive Leadership direction with daily shop floor execution while effectively leading personnel through evolving technologies, operational demands, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Lead and oversee daily machine shop operations including CNC machining, programming, assembly, welding support activities, and production workflow
• Maintain full operational ownership of the Machine Shop
• Oversee Working Supervisors, CNC Programmers, Machinists, Assemblers, MS Welders, Helpers, and Trainees
• Ensure safe, efficient, and accurate production of mission critical components for defense related manufacturing programs
• Support machining operations involving super alloys, stainless steel, copper nickel, nickel copper, nickel aluminum bronze, aluminum, high yield steels, castings, and weldments
• Support multi axis CNC machining operations utilizing modern machining strategies and tooling technologies
• Ensure accurate interpretation and execution of NAVSEA, GD Electric Boat, HII Newport News Shipbuilding, and other customer technical drawings, specifications, sketches, and manufacturing documentation
• Support first time quality and on time delivery initiatives
• Establish scalable workflows and operational controls to support company growth and production demands

• Coordinate production schedules, overtime, staffing, labor utilization, and workflow alongside Production Planning
• Manage employee scheduling, overtime coordination, and departmental labor allocation
• Enforce attendance expectations, time off scheduling processes, and proper labor charging practices
• Monitor production bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to maintain operational continuity
• Identify and resolve dynamic production roadblocks before and during manufacturing operations
• Drive urgency and accountability to meet production deadlines and customer requirements
• Support scheduling and operational readiness for second shift growth initiatives

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture throughout all machine shop operations
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, quality standards, customer requirements, and manufacturing specifications
• Support audit readiness and operational compliance within a regulated manufacturing environment
• Ensure proper interpretation and execution of technical drawings, machining requirements, and GD&T standards
• Support continuous operational improvement while maintaining strict quality expectations

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout machine shop operations
• Support implementation of modern machining technologies, tooling strategies, and process enhancements
• Improve workflow efficiency, machining accuracy, reporting visibility, and operational performance
• Support operational scalability and manufacturing optimization efforts
• Lead teams through adaptation to evolving machine tool technologies and manufacturing processes

• Lead, mentor, and develop machinists, programmers, welders, supervisors, and support personnel
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, urgency, and continuous improvement
• Provide real time operational and technical feedback to machinists and programmers
• Support interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and integration of machine shop personnel in partnership with Human Resources
• Develop personnel capabilities surrounding modern machining technologies and operational expectations
• Support workforce growth initiatives including training and development of future operational leadership

• Collaborate with Production Planning, Human Resources, Purchasing, Shipping & Receiving, Weld Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Executive Leadership to support operational continuity
• Utilize ERP systems including JobBOSS² and Microsoft Office products for tracking, reporting, and operational management
• Maintain clear communication with team members, customers, peers, and Executive Leadership
• Support strategic operational initiatives and departmental growth efforts
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Minimum of ten (10) years of CNC machining experience
• Minimum of two (2) years of leadership or management experience within a manufacturing environment
• Strong familiarity with 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machine tools
• Strong understanding of GD&T and technical drawing interpretation
• Experience with machining sequence development and manufacturing efficiency strategies
• Experience with NX Programming Software or similar programming platforms
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast paced, highly dynamic manufacturing environment
• Ability to lead teams by establishing operational vision, direction, and accountability

• Apprentice School Graduate
• NAVSEA or defense manufacturing experience
• Experience supporting submarine, shipbuilding, or defense industry manufacturing operations
• Familiarity with Fanuc, Okuma OSP-300/500, Siemens, and Haas controls
• Experience with large machine tools including gantry mills, horizontal boring mills, and EDM equipment
• Experience supporting ERP systems including JobBOSS² or similar manufacturing systems
• Ability to support development or adjustment of post processors in collaboration with third party resources

• Safe and efficient machine shop operations
• High quality production with strong first time quality and on time delivery performance
• Improved production flow and operational efficiency
• Strong alignment between Executive Leadership goals and daily shop floor execution
• Engaged and accountable manufacturing workforce
• Successful development of machinist talent and operational leadership pipeline
• Effective adaptation to evolving manufacturing technologies and production demands
• Strong communication and collaboration across departments
• Continuous operational improvement and workforce development

• Strong leadership and workforce development capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced manufacturing environment
• Ability to drive accountability while maintaining professional working relationships
• High attention to detail and organizational skills

• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required security clearances as applicable
• Successful completion of pre-employment screening requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, and move throughout manufacturing facilities for extended periods
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials in accordance with safety requirements

This position operates within a manufacturing environment that may include exposure to noise, machinery, machining operations, metal fabrication processes, and varying temperatures. The role requires adherence to strict safety protocols and use of appropriate PPE at all times.

• Competitive Pay
• Flexible Scheduling
• Three (3) Weeks Paid Vacation to Start, after completion of 60-day probationary period
• Seven (7) Annual Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance (Employee, Spouse, and Child Offerings)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Bonus Program

At Advex, every employee plays an integral role in manufacturing mission critical products in support of the defense industry and its suppliers. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional quality while fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive work environment.

Every day we strive to not only meet, but exceed, customer expectations through exceptional craftsmanship and service. We take pride in the quality of our work, reliability, and commitment to exceeding customer expectations. As a critical supplier for the Defense Industrial Base, we are seeking talented individuals to become part of our team and live these values. If you are looking for a stable environment that will value your knowledge and challenge your capabilities, Advex has a position for you. We offer competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and a collaborative company culture that values innovation, teamwork, and professional growth.

At Advex, it’s more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that makes an impact.

Advex Corporation, based in Hampton, Virginia, is one of the premier metal fabrication companies on the East Coast. We specialize in machining, fabrication, and welding components for aircraft carriers, submarines, and other marine applications. Founded in 1969, Advex Corporation has built a legacy of excellence in manufacturing for the defense industry. Our commitment to quality, precision, and teamwork has made us a trusted partner in the defense industry for over 50 years.

The Advex customer base includes manufacturing for HII Newport News Shipbuilding, General Dynamics Electric Boat, BAE Systems, NASA, and direct-to-Government Department of Defense (DoD) facilities.

Advex divisions include Machining, Light Fabrication, Heavy Fabrication, Marine & Industrial, and Non-destructive Testing (NDT). Specialties include Weldment Manufacture with Precision Machining, Precision Welding and Fabrication, Heavy Manufacturing to Thirty Tons, Light Metal (Sheet Metal) Manufacturing, and Non-destructive Testing (NDT) utilizing these methods: Visual Testing (VT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), and Ultrasonic Testing (UT) available on-site and off-site.