Working Site Supervisor

Horsburgh & Scott Company•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Franklin Gear & Machine is seeking an experienced, hands-on Working Shop Supervisor to oversee daily machine shop operations while actively participating in machining, equipment setups, troubleshooting, and production activities. The role balances direct shop-floor work with employee supervision, production scheduling, quality control, and operational improvement. The supervisor is expected to lead by example, operate equipment when needed, assist machinists with challenging setups, resolve technical issues, and help ensure efficient use of personnel and equipment. The successful candidate will take ownership of shop performance, develop employee capabilities, and maintain a safe, productive, team-oriented manufacturing environment. Performance is evaluated by production schedules and on-time delivery, employee productivity and labor efficiency, machine utilization and downtime, setup improvements, quality results, employee development, workplace safety and housekeeping, accountability, and measurable operational improvements.

Requirements

At least 5–7 years of hands-on machining experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
Previous experience as a Working Supervisor, Lead Machinist, Shop Foreman, or in a similar manufacturing leadership position.
Strong experience setting up and operating CNC and conventional machine tools.
Ability to interpret complex blueprints, machining drawings, and dimensional tolerances.
Working knowledge of precision measuring instruments and inspection procedures.
Strong understanding of tooling applications, machining processes, and equipment capabilities.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining problems and improve manufacturing efficiency.
Experience directing production activities and coordinating employee assignments.
Strong communication, leadership, and employee development skills.
Willingness and ability to work directly alongside machinists as operational needs require.

Nice To Haves

Gear manufacturing, gear cutting, hobbing, shaping, grinding, or related machining experience.
Experience with CNC and manual lathes.
Experience with horizontal boring mills.
Experience with vertical turning lathes.
Experience with CNC milling machines.
Experience machining large industrial components to precision requirements.
Experience in high-mix, low-volume job-shop manufacturing.
Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience training and developing machinists.

Responsibilities

Participate in machining operations as production needs dictate, including setting up and operating CNC and conventional equipment.
Assist machinists with complex setups, tooling selection, machining methods, troubleshooting, and technical issues.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, manufacturing specifications, and dimensional tolerances.
Provide technical guidance on machining tolerances, cutting speeds, feeds, and tooling applications.
Support production of gears, shafts, housings, and other precision-machined components.
Troubleshoot machine performance issues and coordinate necessary maintenance.
Assist with first-piece inspections and manufacturing quality verification.
Identify opportunities to reduce setup times, improve machining efficiency, and increase equipment utilization.
Demonstrate proper machining techniques and safe equipment operation, and support employee cross-training.
Direct daily activities of machinists and assigned production personnel; set expectations for productivity, workmanship, attendance, and conduct.
Coach and mentor employees, provide performance feedback, address concerns, and participate in performance evaluations and corrective action processes.
Promote teamwork, communication, employee development, and adherence to company policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
Coordinate daily production assignments according to customer requirements and schedules, monitor progress, balance staffing and machine availability, and resolve bottlenecks.
Communicate material shortages, equipment failures, scheduling concerns, and production needs to management and coordinate with engineering, planning, purchasing, and quality personnel.
Monitor labor hours, machine utilization, and manufacturing efficiency; report production activities and job progress; assist with overtime and workforce scheduling.
Ensure components meet customer specifications and quality requirements; reduce scrap, rework, and defects and implement corrective actions for recurring issues.
Improve manufacturing methods, reduce production costs, maintain 5S practices, and encourage employee participation in continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with company safety policies and applicable OSHA requirements; promote safe machining and use of personal protective equipment.
Maintain a clean, organized shop; conduct routine equipment and work-area inspections; promptly address unsafe conditions and reinforce accountability for safety and equipment care.