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Manufacturing Manager II, Machining

San Luis Obispo, California

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

The Manufacturing Manager II, Machining owns the end-to-end performance of the machine shop, including safety, quality, compliance, delivery, and cost. This role is responsible for translating company strategy into machining execution, building scalable manufacturing systems, and developing the people, processes, and infrastructure required to support current and future production demands.

 

Unlike a Production Supervisor who focuses on daily shift execution, this role is accountable for department strategy, capacity planning, organizational design, and long-term operational excellence.

 

This role owns how work is performed—people, processes, training, and execution systems—while partnering closely with Value Stream Managers who define what must be built and when.

 

This role involves working closely with manufacturing managers, various engineering disciplines, production staff, and operations teams to support expected outcomes.

 

Scope of Responsibility

  • CNC milling and turning operations supporting prototype and/or production programs
  • Multi-cell, potentially multi-shift environment
  • Direct leadership of machinists/operators and leads/supervisors
  • Cross-functional ownership with:
    • Manufacturing Engineering
    • Quality / Metrology
    • Planning / Supply Chain
    • Maintenance / Facilities

 

Key Responsibilities:

Safety, Quality & Compliance (Foundational)

  • Own safety culture and compliance with all regulatory and internal requirements (AS9100/ISO, traceability, calibration discipline).
  • Ensure controlled execution of machining processes, in-process verification, and rapid containment and root cause when defects occur.
  • Drive first-pass yield, scrap reduction, and escape prevention through systemic improvements.

Delivery & Capacity Ownership

  • Own on-time delivery performance for all machined components.
  • Build and maintain capacity models (machine hours, labor hours, queue times, constraints).
  • Translate demand into:
    • Staffing plans
    • Overtime strategies
    • Machine loading and sequencing
    • Recovery plans

Strategic Planning & Execution

  • Translate company goals into a machining roadmap (yield, lead time, cost per part, automation maturity).
  • Develop quarterly and annual plans for:
    • Headcount
    • Machine investments
    • Tooling/fixturing strategies
    • Layout and flow improvements
  • Lead departmental transformation initiatives (new machines, automation, ERP/MES rollout, new value streams).

Technical & Process Leadership

  • Ensure robust machining fundamentals:
  • NC program readiness and revision control
  • setup documentation and standard work
  • tooling life management and standard libraries
  • fixture repeatability
  • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering on:
  • DFM improvements
  • cycle-time reduction
  • routings and process optimization

People & Culture

  • Hire, develop, and retain high-performing machinists and leads.
  • Build training pathways and skill progression.
  • Create a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

 

Qualifications:

Experience

  • Bachelor’s required, Master’s (MBA/MS) preferred.
  • 8–12+ years manufacturing experience.
  • 5+ years in management.
  • Proven ownership of multi-cell or site-level machining operations.

Strategic Capability

  • Defines machining strategy.
  • Builds multi-year capacity and automation roadmaps.
  • Owns capital investment decisions and ROI.

Executive Partnership

  • Regular interface with Directors/VPs/COO.
  • Trusted to represent machining in business planning.
  • Leads large-scale transformation initiatives.

Pay range for this role

$165,000 - $185,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits: 

  • Competitive total compensation package 
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match 
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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