Machine Shop Manager in New Albany, Indiana at Jewett Automation, LLC

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

As Machine Shop Manager, you are responsible for overseeing the execution and performance of all machine shop operations, ensuring alignment with production goals, quality standards, and business objectives. This role combines hands-on technical leadership with ownership of shop systems and processes, including machining support, Bill of Materials (BoM) management in M1, and quoting for machined parts.

You will support machinists, drive operational discipline, and improve consistency, accuracy, and predictability across shop output and supporting systems.

Everything related to building parts — machining, fabrication, CNC bending, and getting the machine shop ready to support builds — falls under the Machine Shop Manager, working in close coordination with the Production Manager, who owns assembly, integration, and final equipment delivery.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTUREMachinists and machine shop personnel report directly to the Machine Shop ManagerResponsible for managing daily priorities, workflow, and execution across machine shop operationsOversees machining operations as well as fabrication, laser, and CNC bending activitiesWorks cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, and OperationsPERFORMANCE TARGETSShop Execution PerformanceConsistent achievement of production schedules, quality standards, and on-time deliveryReduction in rework, downtime, and production bottlenecksImproved efficiency and predictability in shop operationsSystems & Quoting PerformanceAccurate, complete, and trusted BoMs in M1Timely and accurate quoting aligned with actual shop capabilities and costsImproved alignment between quoted and actual job performanceOperational & Cross-Functional PerformanceStrong coordination between shop, engineering, purchasing, and salesImproved visibility into shop workload, constraints, and prioritiesIncreased consistency in execution and decision-makingKEY RESPONSIBILITIESMachine Shop Execution & OversightOversee and manage all day-to-day machine shop operations, including fabrication, laser, and CNC bending activitiesEnsure jobs are completed on time, to specification, and within quality standardsEstablish production priorities and allocate resources to support execution goalsMonitor workflow, identify bottlenecks, and take proactive corrective actionMaintain equipment readiness and coordinate maintenance activitiesEnforce safety policies and operational proceduresTechnical Leadership & Machining SupportDirect and manage machinists and shop personnel, establishing daily priorities and workload assignmentsProvide technical leadership, troubleshooting, and guidance to ensure efficient execution of workOversee CNC programming and optimization of machining processesEnsure complex or non-standard jobs are properly planned and executedDrive continuous improvement in machining methods, setups, tooling, and operational efficiencyMaintain accountability for team performance, productivity, and execution standardsBoM Ownership & M1 System ManagementBuild and maintain Bills of Materials (BoMs) for machined parts and components required to support quoting and manufacturing activitiesCreate and maintain machine-related BoMs within M1 to support accurate costing and job executionPartner with Engineering to ensure alignment between machining requirements and released production dataAudit machining-related BoMs regularly to ensure accuracy, completeness, and usabilitySupport ongoing improvement and utilization of M1 data across shop operationsQuoting & Costing OwnershipOversee and process all quotes for machining and machined parts, in partnership with the Strategic Sourcing ManagerEnsure accuracy of material, labor, and process assumptionsAlign quotes with actual shop capabilities and constraintsPartner with engineering and sales to support quoting decisionsIdentify cost risks and opportunities for improved margin performanceCross-Functional CoordinationDrive alignment between shop operations, engineering, purchasing, and salesClarify requirements, timelines, and priorities for machined partsResolve issues that impact production or deliveryEnsure smooth handoffs between quoting, planning, and executionContinuous Improvement & Operational DisciplineIdentify inefficiencies in shop processes, systems, and workflowsImplement improvements to increase throughput, reduce costs, and improve qualityStrengthen consistency in execution, planning, and data managementPromote a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvementQUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIESExperienceProven experience in a machine shop environment with leadership responsibilityStrong knowledge of CNC machining, programming, and manufacturing processesExperience with ERP systems, preferably M1Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specificationsLeadership & CharacterStrong ownership mindset and accountability for outcomesHands-on, solution-oriented approach to problem solvingAbility to support and guide machinists effectivelyComfortable operating in a fast-paced, production-driven environmentSkills & CapabilitiesStrong technical and troubleshooting skills in machining and programmingSolid understanding of production workflows and cost driversEffective communication across shop and office functionsHighly organized and detail-orientedAbility to balance hands-on work with coordination and system ownershipWHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE — FIRST 12 MONTHSMachine shop operates smoothly with consistent on-time delivery and reduced reworkBoMs in M1 are accurate, complete, and trusted across departmentsQuoting is timely, accurate, and aligned with actual shop performanceImproved coordination between shop, engineering, and salesIncreased efficiency, reduced bottlenecks, and better overall predictabilityRecognized as a technical leader who supports the team and drives execution