Manager, Production Operations - Machine Shop at Sierra Space — Middleton, WI

# Sierra Space Careers:

# About the Role

As the Manager, Production - Machine Shop, you will play a critical role in building and leading a high-performing machine shop team, driving operational excellence, and scaling machining processes to support aerospace-grade component production. You will be responsible for ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Your leadership will drive Sierra Space’s mission to deliver world-class manufacturing solutions for space exploration.

# About You

Key Responsibilities

• Lead safety initiatives, enforce PPE requirements, and ensure compliance with company safety policies and standards.
• Organize monthly safety meetings and identify risks in work setups, providing necessary training to mitigate hazards.
• Manage daily job lineups, pre-plan jobs, and assign machinists to tasks based on skill and availability.
• Oversee work order routers to ensure they contain sufficient information for production and quality assurance.
• Drive operational efficiency and ensure machining processes meet aggressive production rate targets.
• Build, mentor, and develop a world-class team of machinists, programmers, and technicians.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, set quarterly goals, and provide training to align teams with company objectives.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a clean, organized shop environment by managing tools, equipment, and materials.
• Enforce cleanup rules and ensure all parts are properly labeled and documented during manufacturing.
• Challenge engineering designs to optimize manufacturability while collaborating with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams.
• Implement innovative machining technologies, including advanced techniques such as 5-axis machining, and automation.
• Oversee machine maintenance requests and train machinists on preventative maintenance.
• Provide ongoing training in machine use, quality control, and company goals.
• Manage inspection reports, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and other critical documentation.
• Regularly communicate progress and issues with project managers and other stakeholders. Regularly communicate progress and issues with project managers and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with machine shop in Colorado on projects and workload

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in machining and precision manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in CNC machining, multi-axis milling, and tight-tolerance manufacturing, particularly with aerospace-grade materials (e.g., titanium, Inconel, aluminum).
• Proven track record in managing and optimizing high-performing machining centers, driving efficiency, throughput, and process reliability.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience building and mentoring teams while fostering a culture of accountability and technical excellence.
• Proficiency in CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, NX), ERP/MES systems, and advanced production monitoring tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience scaling aerospace machining operations, optimizing cycle times, and implementing automation technologies.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing standards such as AS9100, NADCAP, and ITAR compliance.
• Background in additive manufacturing or advanced material processing for next-generation aerospace components.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, GD&T, Six Sigma methodologies, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Advanced degree in a relevant field.
• A seasoned machinist with deep expertise in both CNC and manual machining, combined with strong leadership and management skills.
• Proven ability to train, develop, and lead teams while maintaining a well-organized, safety-compliant shop environment.
• Hands-on problem solver who excels at optimizing manufacturing processes and driving operational efficiency.

## Compensation:

Pay Range:

$103,166.00 - $141,872.75

IMPORTANT NOTICE: To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

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