Sierra Space

aerospace

Manager,ProductionOperations-MachineShop

$103–142k Middleton, Wisconsin, United States FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid candidates.

The Brief

“Manager, Production Operations - Machine Shop at Sierra Space. Skills: production operations, machine shop management, team leadership, operational excellence, machining processes. 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”

What You'll Achieve.

driving operational excellence; scaling machining processes to support aerospace-grade component production; ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance; drive Sierra Space’s mission to deliver world-class manufacturing solutions for space exploration; ensure machining processes meet aggressive production rate targets; align teams with company objectives; optimize manufacturing processes and driving operational efficiency

Industry & Context.

aerospace
Problems you'll solve

relentlessly pursuing solutions; Challenge engineering designs to optimize manufacturability; Hands-on problem solver who excels at optimizing manufacturing processes

Eligibility Requirements

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

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience, 5+ years of experience in machining and precision manufacturing, 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, 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

Nice to Have

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 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

What You'll Do.

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

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

and develop a world-class team of machinists

Conduct regular performance evaluations

and provide training to align teams with company objectives

Foster a culture of technical excellence

and continuous improvement

organized shop environment by managing tools

Enforce cleanup rules and ensure all parts are properly labeled and documented during manufacturing

Challenge engineering designs to optimize manufacturability

Implement innovative machining technologies

including advanced techniques such as 5-axis machining

Oversee machine maintenance requests and train machinists on preventative maintenance

Provide ongoing training in machine use

Manage inspection reports

non-conformance reports (NCRs)

and other critical documentation

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

collaborating with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams; Regularly communicate progress and issues with project managers and other stakeholders; Collaborate with machine shop in Colorado on projects and workload

Communication Scope

Regularly communicate progress and issues with project managers and other stakeholders

Process & Methodology

pre-plan jobs

Full Job Description

# **Sierra Space Careers:** At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space. We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team. # **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** Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission. We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement. **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 nece

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