Manufacturing Manager II, Machining

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

The Manufacturing Manager II, Machining owns the end-to-end performance of the machine shop, including safety, quality, compliance, delivery, and cost. This role is responsible for translating company strategy into machining execution, building scalable manufacturing systems, and developing the people, processes, and infrastructure required to support current and future production demands.

Unlike a Production Supervisor who focuses on daily shift execution, this role is accountable for department strategy, capacity planning, organizational design, and long-term operational excellence.

This role owns how work is performed—people, processes, training, and execution systems—while partnering closely with Value Stream Managers who define what must be built and when.

This role involves working closely with manufacturing managers, various engineering disciplines, production staff, and operations teams to support expected outcomes.

Scope of Responsibility

CNC milling and turning operations supporting prototype and/or production programs

Multi-cell, potentially multi-shift environment

Direct leadership of machinists/operators and leads/supervisors

Cross-functional ownership with:

Manufacturing Engineering

Quality / Metrology

Planning / Supply Chain

Maintenance / Facilities

Key Responsibilities:

Safety, Quality Compliance (Foundational)

Own safety culture and compliance with all regulatory and internal requirements (AS9100/ISO, traceability, calibration discipline).

Ensure controlled execution of machining processes, in-process verification, and rapid containment and root cause when defects occur.

Drive first-pass yield, scrap reduction, and escape prevention through systemic improvements.

Delivery Capacity Ownership

Own on-time delivery performance for all machined components.

Build and maintain capacity models (machine hours, labor hours, queue times, constraints).

Translate demand into:

Staffing plans

Overtime strategies

Machine loading and sequencing

Recovery plans

Strategic Planning Execution

Translate company goals into a machining roadmap (yield, lead time, cost per part, automation maturity).

Develop quarterly and annual plans for:

Headcount

Machine investments

Tooling/fixturing strategies

Layout and flow improvements

Lead departmental transformation initiatives (new machines, automation, ERP/MES rollout, new value streams).

Technical Process Leadership

Ensure robust machining fundamentals:

NC program readiness and revision control

setup documentation and standard work

tooling life management and standard libraries

fixture repeatability

Partner with Manufacturing Engineering on:

DFM improvements

cycle-time reduction

routings and process optimization

People Culture

Hire, develop, and retain high-performing machinists and leads.

Build training pathways and skill progression.

Create a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

Experience

Bachelor’s required, Master’s (MBA/MS) preferred.

8–12+ years manufacturing experience.

5+ years in management.

Proven ownership of multi-cell or site-level machining operations.

Strategic Capability

Defines machining strategy.

Builds multi-year capacity and automation roadmaps.

Owns capital investment decisions and ROI.

Executive Partnership

Regular interface with Directors/VPs/COO.

Trusted to represent machining in business planning.

Leads large-scale transformation initiatives.

Pay range for this role

$165,000 $185,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits:

Competitive total compensation package

Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.

401k with company-match

4 weeks of paid time off each year

12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.

Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!

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