Operations Manager Machine Shop in Chatsworth, California at Hydraulics International

Position Summary

Hydraulics International, Inc. (HII) is seeking an experienced Machine Shop Manager to lead a high-volume precision machining operation consisting of more than 100 CNC and conventional machines. This role is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations, production performance, workforce leadership, quality, safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence while ensuring on-time delivery and maximum equipment utilization.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with extensive machining experience who thrives in a fast-paced aerospace and defense environment and has a proven ability to lead large teams, drive operational improvements, and achieve production goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct the daily operations of a machine shop with over 100 CNC and conventional machines.
• Lead and develop supervisors, lead machinists, CNC programmers, setup technicians, machinists, and support personnel.
• Ensure production schedules are met while achieving quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Monitor machine utilization, labor efficiency, productivity, and overall shop performance.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Production Planning, Quality, Maintenance, Purchasing, and Assembly to resolve production issues and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve workflow.
• Establish production priorities and allocate resources to meet customer commitments.
• Ensure compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements.
• Support preventive maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability and machine uptime.
• Monitor tooling requirements, machine performance, and equipment effectiveness.
• Manage departmental budgets, labor costs, overtime, and operating expenses.
• Analyze production metrics and implement corrective actions to improve operational performance.
• Coach, mentor, and develop employees through ongoing training and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and all company safety policies.
• Support capital equipment planning and future manufacturing growth initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a precision machining manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing large machine shop operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-volume machining operations; experience overseeing 100 or more CNC and conventional machines is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes, tooling, fixtures, production planning, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• APICS CPIM, Lean, or Six Sigma certification is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development
• Production Planning & Scheduling
• Lean Manufacturing
• Continuous Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis
• Capacity Planning
• Cost Control & Budget Management
• Quality Management
• Safety Leadership
• Performance Management
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Excellent Communication & Collaboration Skills

Work Environment

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular presence on the production floor. The incumbent must be be able to safely work around manufacturing equipment and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Occasional travel between company facilities may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary:
$145K-160K annually

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

About Hydraulics International, Inc. (HII)

Headquartered in Chatsworth, California, Hydraulics International, Inc. (HII) is a leading supplier of integrated products, services, and support to military forces, aviation and commercial industries, government agencies, and prime contractors worldwide.

Focused on defense and commercial technologies, HII develops, manufactures, and supports a broad range of systems serving more than one hundred industries, as well as mission-critical military sustainment requirements across the globe. We are proud that our extensive engineering and design capabilities enable us to produce some of the most sophisticated products in today's marketplace.

Our corporate headquarters, engineering, and manufacturing facilities in Chatsworth, California, and Forsyth, Georgia, encompass more than 625,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Our facilities feature state-of-the-art equipment, including CNC lathes and mills, computerized tube bending systems, automated press brakes, programmable punch presses, laser topography scanners, and advanced quality verification equipment.

HII combines exceptional talent, advanced technology, and world-class manufacturing capabilities to deliver innovative solutions that exceed our customers' expectations.

Hydraulics International, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment against applicants and employees based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability (including physical, mental, or medical conditions), protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected status.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, or need an alternative method for applying, please contact Human Resources at (818) 998-1231 ext. 2200.