Machine Shop Supervisor – CNC Operations, Programming & Advanced Manufacturing

Technical Source is seeking a Machine Shop Supervisor with deep expertise in CNC machining, programming, and leadership within a high-precision manufacturing environment. Our client is an industry-leading designer and builder of custom automation systems supporting industrial, medical, and semiconductor applications. Their U.S. machining and automation operations support the production of specialized components used in complex modules, equipment platforms, and fully integrated production systems.

This position plays a critical role in shaping the machine shop of the future, including leading day-to-day machining activities, guiding CNC operators, refining programming strategies, and helping establish a new machining facility that will integrate directly with advanced automation and robotic workflows.

Role Overview

As the Machine Shop Supervisor, you will be the primary leader responsible for CNC machining operations that support sophisticated automated manufacturing systems. You will guide personnel, oversee production schedules, develop CNC programs, and ensure best-in-class machining practices across multi-axis equipment and robotic machine-tending environments.

You will also be heavily involved in planning and setting up the machine shop during an upcoming facility relocation, including equipment layout, workflow optimization, and integrating machining activities with automated equipment and digital manufacturing technologies.

Every day will bring new challenges … new parts, new processes, and new engineering problems to solve, while maintaining a high standard of precision, safety, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and mentor CNC machinists to meet production goals and uphold quality and safety standards.
• Oversee daily machining operations, including scheduling, prioritizing workloads, and coordinating with automated production lines and supporting departments.
• Create, refine, and optimize CNC programs for complex components used in robotic assemblies, tooling packages, motion-control systems, and custom automated machinery.
• Use CAM programming tools (Mastercam, Fusion 360, or equivalent) to develop efficient toolpaths, reduce cycle times, and ensure compatibility with automated material-handling systems.
• Support and troubleshoot multi-axis machining centers, robotic tending cells, and automation-assisted machining processes; experience with Okuma equipment is highly beneficial.
• Drive the setup and organization of the new machine shop facility—including equipment placement, workflow development, process layout, and integration with automation and digital systems.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, automation, and maintenance teams to address machining issues, improve system performance, and enhance uptime and reliability.
• Interpret detailed engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, and automation-related part specifications to ensure accurate and repeatable production results.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-focused work environment aligned with modern automated manufacturing expectations.
• Participate in continuous-improvement initiatives involving automation enhancements, process optimization, tooling improvements, and smart-manufacturing strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience in setting up a machine shop or similar environment (industrial automation or advanced-manufacturing environment)
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Machine Tool Technology, Computer Integrated Machining, or a closely related manufacturing discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in CNC machining, electrical/mechanical technical support, or similar roles in an advanced-manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated background in CNC machining, programming, and supervising machining teams within high-precision or automation-driven production settings.
• Strong understanding of multi-axis machining, robotic machine-tending concepts, and automated part-handling systems.
• Proficiency with CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, or similar platforms.
• Working knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies (robotics, PLC-controlled equipment, vision systems, digital factory tools).
• Solid foundation in machining fundamentals, tooling selection, fixturing, and precision manufacturing practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and troubleshooting skills with the ability to support both machining personnel and automated systems.

Work Environment & Location

• Full-time, onsite position based in the Raleigh/Morrisville area.
• Role requires hands-on presence on the shop floor; remote or hybrid schedules are not available.
• Position includes significant involvement in setting up a newly relocated machine shop.
• Relocation assistance is not provided.

What They Offer

• Competitive Compensation – Pay aligned with technical skill level and supervisory responsibilities.
• Health Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision insurance covered by the company.
• Life Insurance – Company-paid plan for financial protection.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Employee contribution options to support long-term savings.
• Paid Time Off – Flexible PTO plus company-paid holidays.
• Uniforms & Safety Gear – Provided to ensure professionalism and workplace safety.
• Advanced Technology Exposure – Work with multi-axis machining, robotics, and automation-enabled processes supporting high-precision, high-volume production environments.

You’ll join a collaborative, engineering-driven culture where machinists, programmers, and automation specialists work side-by-side—and where your skill, initiative, and leadership will directly influence the success of next-generation automated manufacturing systems.