Secondary Operations Supervisor (Precision Machine Shop)

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Secondary Operations Supervisor to oversee our secondary manufacturing and quality inspection processes in a fast-paced precision machine shop.

In this role, you will be responsible for leading a team focused on post-machining operations, specifically gage pinning parts for tight-tolerance verification and performing rigorous visual inspections to identify surface blemishes, burrs, or imperfections as well as overseeing other operations including wash, tumble, honing and shot peen. The ideal candidate ensures that every component leaving the secondary department meets our exact customer specifications and quality standards in a timely manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Supervision: Manage, mentor, and schedule the secondary operations and inspection team. Set daily production goals and ensure smooth workflow between primary machining and finishing.
• Process Oversight (Gage Pinning): Oversee accurate dimensional verification processes, ensuring team members correctly use plug gages, pin gages, micrometers, and calipers to check hole diameters and tight tolerances.
• Quality Control & Blemish Detection: Monitor visual inspection standards to ensure operators meticulously check parts for cosmetic defects, scratches, tool marks, and surface blemishes.
• Defect Supervision & Root Cause Analysis: Track scrap and rework rates. Investigate the root cause of recurring surface flaws or dimensional failures, collaborating with machinists and quality engineers to implement corrective actions.
• Training & Standard Work: Train new hires on proper handling, measurement techniques, and visual inspection criteria. Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines.
• Documentation & Compliance: Ensure all inspection logs, travelers, and quality documentation are accurately filled out and maintained in compliance with our Quality Management System (e.g., ISO 9001 / AS9100).
• Continuous Improvement: Identify bottlenecks in deburring, cleaning, sorting, or inspection processes and recommend lean manufacturing improvements to boost throughput.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Technical Knowledge:
• Strong working knowledge of precision measuring tools (pin gages, thread gages, micrometers, height gages, calipers).
• Familiarity with tumblers, shot peen and part washers is a strong plus.
• Quality Focus: Exceptional attention to detail with a sharp eye for visual surface imperfections on various parts.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to motivate a team, manage performance, and foster a culture of accountability and quality.
• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills to report issues to upper management and collaborate with machine operators.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is conducted in a climate-controlled manufacturing and machining environment.
• Requires standing, walking, and occasionally lifting parts or boxes up to 50 lbs.
• Use of safety glasses and adherence to shop floor safety protocols are required at all times.