Production Manager - Machining

POSITION SNAPSHOT:
Our client is seeking a Production Manager, Machining - in the Greater Syracuse, NY area. The Production Manager, Machining will lead and optimize machining operations within their growing manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring exceptional quality, cost efficiency, and on‑time delivery across all machining activities, while serving as a subject matter expert in advanced CNC programming, setup, and operation.

The Machining Production Manager will directly supervise Lead Machinists, Machinists, and Machine Operators, providing leadership that fosters a productive, safety‑driven, and quality‑focused team culture. The ideal candidate will develop and implement production strategies, manage daily schedules and job allocations, and collaborate closely with the Additive Manufacturing, Quality, and Contract Review teams to align workflows, resolve part discrepancies, and maximize productivity across shifts.

This position will oversee and perform advanced CNC programming using Mastercam software, as well as test and optimize new programs to ensure efficient, high‑quality output. Additional responsibilities include troubleshooting complex machining challenges, providing guidance on setups and tooling selection, and operating CNC machinery when required to meet production timelines. The Production Manager , Machining will also be accountable for creating and maintaining standard operating procedures, monitoring key production metrics, ensuring dimensional accuracy through first‑piece, in‑process, and final inspections, and partnering with Quality Control to prioritize work and increase machine uptime.

A key part of this role involves maintaining a highly organized machine shop, overseeing equipment and tooling maintenance, and assisting in the selection and procurement of new equipment to expand capabilities. As a mentor to the machining team, this leader will provide training, delegate tasks effectively, conduct performance evaluations, and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.

Qualified candidates will hold a bachelor's degree and possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience in a manufacturing setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Extensive hands‑on expertise in programming, setting up, and operating CNC milling machines and lathes is essential, along with demonstrated ability to develop work schedules, prioritize jobs, and interpret technical drawings, CAD files, GD&T symbols, and detailed specifications.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities are required for success in this integrated team environment. Candidates with practical experience in metal additive manufacturing, particularly in integrating additive processes with post‑machining operations, as well as those with backgrounds in aerospace manufacturing, will be strongly preferred.

Projected Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000 DOE