Machine Shop Lead - Weekend

Firefly Aerospace•Briggs, TX

About The Position

Firefly Aerospace is hiring a Machine Shop Lead to support daily operations in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing machine shop. The role provides floor-level leadership and technical guidance to machinists across manufacturing cells, coordinating production work to meet schedules and manufacturing priorities. The lead monitors production progress and machine utilization, identifies obstacles to delivery, helps troubleshoot machining and equipment issues, and promotes safe, high-quality, efficient work practices. The position supports production on Friday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. It also contributes to continuous improvement and Root Cause and Corrective Action investigations, ensures accurate manufacturing documentation, supports shift handoffs, and communicates production performance and operational concerns to machine shop management. Candidates must have at least eight years of CNC machine shop experience and advanced knowledge of machining processes, CNC programs, engineering drawings, GD&T, setups, tooling, and precision inspection. Previous leadership experience is preferred. Aerospace or other high-precision manufacturing experience, training machinists, and familiarity with lean manufacturing are desired. Firefly offers health, dental, and vision plans, parental leave, relocation benefits, educational reimbursement, short-term disability, and flexible PTO options. The role is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations; candidates must meet the stated citizenship, residency, protected-individual, or authorization criteria.

Requirements

Minimum 8 years of experience in a CNC machine shop environment.
Advanced understanding of CNC machining processes, including milling, turning, and multi-axis operations.
Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot CNC programs and G-code.
Advanced understanding of engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and precision inspection requirements.
Working knowledge of Mazak, Okuma, Fanuc, and other CNC machine controllers.
Strong understanding of machine setups, work holding, tooling selection, and machining best practices.
Ability to identify manufacturing inefficiencies and implement practical process improvements.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively with machinists, programmers, quality personnel, and management.
Ability to prioritize work, manage competing production demands, and maintain accountability in a fast-paced environment.
Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery.
Must be able to support 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Must meet the stated U.S. Government space technology export regulation eligibility criteria.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a lead machinist, team lead, or manufacturing leadership role.
Experience operating or supporting Mazak, Okuma, and DMG MORI CNC equipment.
Experience with 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling and multi-axis turning operations.
Experience in aerospace manufacturing or other high-precision manufacturing environments.
Experience training and developing machinists across varying skill levels.
Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

Lead and support daily machine shop operations in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.
Coordinate daily production activities with the established production schedule and manufacturing priorities.
Provide floor-level leadership, technical guidance, and support to machinists across multiple manufacturing cells.
Monitor production progress, machine utilization, and operational efficiency to help keep jobs on schedule.
Identify and communicate production constraints, equipment issues, material shortages, and other delivery obstacles.
Ensure machinists follow approved manufacturing processes, work instructions, setup documentation, and controlled programs.
Verify operators are prepared for machining operations, including tooling, fixtures, programs, and work order requirements.
Help troubleshoot machining processes, setups, tooling issues, and equipment-related problems.
Drive continuous improvement, emphasizing setup reduction, cycle-time optimization, quality, and productivity.
Promote accountability for workmanship, equipment care, documentation accuracy, and adherence to processes.
Participate in RCCA investigations involving nonconformances, machining errors, and process failures; help identify root causes, develop corrective actions, and verify their effectiveness.
Ensure accurate completion of manufacturing work orders, operation tracking, and production documentation.
Maintain effective shift communication through detailed production pass-downs, including completed operations, work order status, and outstanding issues.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment and ensure compliance with EHS requirements.
Communicate daily production performance, operational concerns, and improvement opportunities to machine shop management.