Aerospace CNC Production Manager
Job Description
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 continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and throughput.
Why Work Here?
You will join a growing organization with a strong, collaborative team and supportive ownership that values technical excellence and continuous improvement. The shop maintains deep relationships with leading aerospace and defense companies, offering exposure to cutting-edge projects and complex parts. You will have the opportunity to influence processes, mentor a skilled team, and grow with a company that is actively expanding its capabilities and customer base.
Work Environment
The role is based in a mid-size machine shop located in Santa Ana, CA, operating a day shift from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The facility employs around 45 people and is growing, with a machining team of about 25 and 4-5 dedicated programmers. The shop includes machining, deburr, quality, and shipping departments, providing an end-to-end production environment. You will work around 5-axis CNC machines and related equipment in an AS9100-certified setting focused on precision aerospace and defense components. The environment is hands-on and production-focused, with close collaboration between machinists, programmers, and support teams.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Santa Ana, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $180000.00 - $200000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
medical, dental, vision, PTO, sick pay, bonuses
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Santa Ana,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
