Aerospace CNC Machining Plant Operations Manager

Lead Operations. Shape the Future.

Imagine starting your day on the machining floor, conducting a Gemba walk with supervisors and cell leads, spotting a bottleneck in a high-mix cell, and rallying Engineering, Purchasing, and Quality to clear the path so a critical aerospace shipment leaves on time. By mid-morning you’re checking KPI dashboards—Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost—then aligning resources to the Master Production Schedule. In the afternoon, you’re coaching a new area lead, approving timecards, and implementing standard work that lifts productivity without compromising AS9100 rigor. That’s a typical day for our Aerospace CNC Machining Plant Operations Manager.

Based in Matthews, North Carolina—just outside vibrant Charlotte—Northeast Tool & Manufacturing crafts precision components for the Aerospace industry. We offer a high-growth path, meaningful visibility, and the chance to leave your mark in a people-first environment. Relocation assistance, competitive pay, a 401(k) match, and a team that champions growth are all part of the package.

Role Snapshot

• Lead the Precision Machining Manufacturing Department in a 24/5 aerospace CNC operation (high-mix, low-volume, fast-paced).
• Report to the COO and manage manufacturing supervisors, cell/area leads, setup machinists, CNC operators, and a manufacturing planner.
• Drive schedule adherence and coordinate closely with Engineering, Purchasing, Quality, and Shipping.
• Influence operations strategy and performance systems while managing on-the-floor execution.
• Growth path to General Manager; this role does not directly manage Engineering, Purchasing, or Quality.

What You’ll Own

• Deliver daily/weekly production and shipping schedules—coordinating with external suppliers—to meet customer commitments, revenue/margin goals, and budget targets.
• Build and monitor KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) and adjust plans to protect schedule and outcomes.
• Translate specs, capacity, and resources into a reliable Master Production Schedule and daily work plans.
• Lead daily Gemba walks; identify bottlenecks and orchestrate cross-functional resolutions.
• Establish, maintain, and elevate 5S and FOD controls for a world-class environment.
• Drive swift containment and robust corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Foster a high-performance culture—clear goals, timely reviews, on-the-job training, and cross-training.
• Approve timecards and time-off in the HR system; set objectives and conduct performance reviews.
• Institutionalize standard work to strengthen safety, quality, productivity, and delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

• B.S. in Engineering or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing experience (strong preference for precision machining).
• 4+ years in leadership (e.g., Production Supervisor, Value Stream Manager, Area Manager).
• 3+ years in Aerospace/AS9100 environments.
• Proven cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Bias for action—confident, informed decision-making in fast-moving situations.
• Microsoft Office skills: Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
• Working knowledge of GD&T to ASME Y14.5-2018.
• Six Sigma experience; CSSGB or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Even Better

• Master’s in Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Director-level (or higher) leadership experience.
• CSSBB or Master Black Belt.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Hands-on with 5-Axis Milling Platforms and Multi-Axis Turning Centers.
• ASME Y14.5-2018 GD&T certification (foundational a plus; advanced preferred).

Compensation & Benefits

This is a salaried, exempt position with an annual salary range of $100,000 - $165,000 DOE.

• Relocation assistance
• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 4% Company-matched 401(k) (Roth and Traditional) through Fidelity
• 9 paid holidays (including your birthday)
• Education assistance
• Top 15% benefit plan with a dedicated Northeast Tool Nurse & Pharmacist to help navigate healthcare
• Challenging and rewarding career in a family, team-focused environment
• Free coffee

About the Location

Matthews, NC—right outside Charlotte—puts beaches, mountains, and hiking within a 2–3 hour drive.

Proficiencies

• Leadership / People Management
• Bachelor's Degree
• Manufacturing Instruction (MI)
• Supervisory Experience
• Coaching and Mentoring Experience
• AS9100 Experience

Why Northeast Tool?

We’re an award-winning, employee-centric company where structured roles, clear responsibilities, and individualized development plans power growth. We work hard, have fun, and make a meaningful impact in our community. Sound too good to be true? Apply today to join our team.