Director, Aerospace CNC Manufacturing Operations

Director, Aerospace CNC Manufacturing Operations

A day in the role

Picture your morning starting on the production floor in a high‑mix, low‑volume environment. You walk cells with supervisors and leads, check Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost metrics, and align people and machines to the Master Production Schedule (MPS). By mid‑day you are troubleshooting a complex setup with Engineering and Quality, initiating corrective actions, and removing roadblocks for planners. In the afternoon, you review capacity data, tune the schedule to protect revenue and margin, and close the day by recognizing wins, coaching your team, and setting up tomorrow’s priorities.

About Northeast Tool & Manufacturing

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing is a trusted partner for mission‑critical aerospace components. Our growth is fueled by craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep commitment to people. We’re award‑winning and employee‑centric, with structured training, individual development plans, and clear advancement pathways—so you can build both great products and a great career.

Location

Matthews, North Carolina (just outside Charlotte). Enjoy access to the city, beaches, and mountains within a 2–3 hour drive.

Compensation

$120,000–$165,000 base salary depending on experience, plus performance incentive eligibility and relocation assistance.

Scope and reporting

Report to the COO and lead our precision machining department in a 24/5 operation. You’ll guide supervisors, cell leads, and planners; drive accountability to the production schedule; and partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Purchasing to ensure safety, quality, and on‑time delivery.

What you will lead

• Run day‑to‑day CNC machining operations in a high‑mix, low‑volume aerospace setting.
• Achieve on‑time production and shipping aligned with revenue, margin, and delivery goals.
• Develop and manage plant‑level KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost).
• Use capacity and production data to allocate resources against the MPS.
• Conduct regular Gemba walks to surface issues and drive corrective actions with Engineering, Quality, and Purchasing.
• Champion 5S and FOD controls to protect product integrity and workplace standards.
• Lead root cause and corrective action for manufacturing issues and non‑conformances.
• Hire, develop, and coach supervisors, leads, and CNC operators; foster accountability and cross‑training.
• Deliver consistent performance reviews, feedback, and goal alignment.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to shorten lead times, cut downtime, and optimize scheduling.
• Implement standard work and continuous improvement to improve safety, quality, productivity, and delivery.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; equivalent technical, military, or progressive manufacturing leadership experience considered.
• 5–7+ years in manufacturing with 3+ years leading teams (Supervisor, Value Stream Manager, Production Manager, etc.).
• Background in precision machining required; aerospace, defense, or other regulated environment (AS9100, ISO 9001, etc.) strongly preferred.
• Fluency in production planning, scheduling, and cross‑department coordination.
• Decisive, confident decision‑making in fast‑paced settings.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and familiar with ERP/MRP systems.
• Working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and precision manufacturing principles.
• Continuous improvement mindset; Six Sigma or Lean certification a plus (Green Belt or higher preferred).

Even better if you have

• Leadership experience in 5‑axis milling and multi‑axis turning operations.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or PMP certification.
• Background in new product introduction (NPI) or process transitions.
• Advanced GD&T or ASME Y14.5‑2018 certification.

Benefits and support

• Competitive pay with performance‑based incentive eligibility
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with 4% company match (Traditional or Roth)
• 9 paid holidays — including your birthday
• Relocation assistance
• Tuition and education assistance
• Dedicated on‑site Nurse & Pharmacist for healthcare support
• Free coffee, great people, and a team that truly has your back

Culture and growth

We believe great products start with great people. Expect hard work, continuous improvement, and genuine care for our team and customers. With structured development and clear paths to broader responsibility, this role is ideal for a manufacturing leader ready to grow toward general management.

Proficiencies

• Leadership / People Management
• Manufacturing Instruction (MI)
• Supervisory Experience
• Coaching and Mentoring Experience

Next step

Apply today to start the conversation.