Job at a glance
Aerospace CNC Production Manager Job Description CNC Production manager needed for machine shop in Santa Ana, CA. Pay is flexible based on experience but typically between $180,000-$200,000 a year. This role oversees day-shift production operations in a mid-size AS9100-certified machine shop specializing in build-to-print, 5-axis machined parts for aerospace and defense customers. The Production Manager leads machining activities, ensures on-time delivery and quality, and drives efficient use of equipment, people, and processes while providing hands-on expertise in estimating, machining, and planning.
Responsibilities Lead and manage day-shift production operations in a 5-axis CNC machine shop, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable output. Oversee production of build-to-print machined parts for a wide range of aerospace and defense customers, maintaining strict quality and delivery standards. Plan, schedule, and coordinate production activities across machining, deburr, quality, and shipping teams to meet customer requirements.
Estimate machining run-times for complex parts in various materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, Inconel, Aluminum 7050-T7451, and Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5). Apply deep knowledge of machining, CNC programming, cutting tools, and fixture design to optimize processes and reduce cycle times. Review and interpret blueprints and technical drawings to ensure accurate planning, setup, and execution of machining operations.
Collaborate closely with programmers and machinists to resolve technical issues and improve manufacturability of parts. Work with outside processors to coordinate secondary operations and ensure parts meet specifications and timelines. Provide hands-on guidance and supervision to production staff, promoting best practices in machining, setup, and inspection. Monitor production performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements to increase throughput and efficiency.
Ensure adherence to AS9100 standards and internal quality procedures throughout all production activities. Participate in technical discussions and reviews, including walking through example parts and explaining approaches to machining and estimating. Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and overall shop performance. Essential Skills Proven experience running production at an AS9100-certified machine shop with 5-axis CNC machines in a contract manufacturing environment.
Current experience managing production at a facility machining build-to-print parts for aerospace and defense customers. Strong ability to estimate machining run-times for a wide range of parts and geometries across multiple materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, Inconel, Aluminum 7050-T7451, and Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5). Extensive hands-on experience in machining operations, including mill machining and 5-axis CNC work.
Proficiency with CNC programming and related tools, including Mastercam. Demonstrated expertise with cutting tools, fixture design, and fixture methodology for complex parts. Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints and technical drawings. Experience in production planning, scheduling, and estimating within a machine shop environment. Strong supervision and leadership skills in a production or machining setting.
Experience collaborating with outside processors for secondary operations. Solid understanding of AS9100 quality requirements and their application in daily production. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working in a mid-size machine shop environment with multiple functional teams such as machining, deburr, quality, and shipping. Experience in contract manufacturing for aerospace and defense industries.
Comfort explaining machining and estimating approaches in technical discussions, including phone screens and reviews. Familiarity with coordinating work among machinists, programmers, and support staff to meet tight deadlines. Ability to drive continuo