CNC Department Manager

UPG Company LLC•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The CNC Department Manager is responsible for leading the technical, operational, and commercial success of the CNC machining department. This position requires a hands-on leader who actively programs CNC equipment, oversees daily production operations, and drives strategic growth of the CNC business. The role combines advanced machining expertise with operational management, process standardization, team development, and business development responsibilities.

Requirements

Minimum 7 years of CNC machining experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or management role within a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated experience in CNC programming, operational management, and customer-facing technical support required.
Advanced CNC programming and CAM software proficiency
Strong blueprint reading and GD&T knowledge
Production planning and workflow coordination
Cost analysis and quoting support
Customer interaction and technical sales support
Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
Strong leadership and team development skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
Equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Personally program CNC mills, lathes, and multi-axis equipment using CAM software.
Develop, review, and approve CNC programs before production release.
Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and programming issues in real time.
Optimize cycle times, tooling strategies, and machining efficiencies.
Support complex setups and first article runs.
Ensure setup sheets, tooling documentation, and machining instructions are accurate and controlled.
Establish and maintain standardized CNC programming, setup, tooling, inspection, and production processes to ensure repeatability, scalability, quality, and consistent execution.
Oversee daily CNC production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements.
Manage machinists and programmers to ensure productivity and quality targets are achieved.
Build, develop, and lead a high-performing CNC team capable of executing complex, high-precision machining work and supporting the department’s continued growth.
Monitor scrap, rework, machine utilization, and throughput performance.
Coordinate workflow with Engineering, Quality, and Production departments.
Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are followed and maintain a safe, organized machining environment.
Conduct performance evaluations and develop team capabilities.
Identify opportunities to expand CNC machining services and capabilities.
Support Sales and Leadership in quoting new machining projects.
Evaluate feasibility, cost structure, and production strategy for new business opportunities.
Participate in customer discussions related to machining solutions.
Develop strategies to increase CNC revenue and improve profitability.
Manage departmental labor, tooling, and operational costs and monitor job profitability.
Track KPIs including on-time delivery, scrap rates, cycle time efficiency, and capacity utilization.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, company safety policies, ISO 9001, AS9100, and customer-specific requirements.
Perform assigned duties in accordance with documented procedures and work instructions.