Job Description
Director of Machining Location: Jessup, MD. Travel: Up to 25%. Vitesse designs and manufactures high-performance antenna, thermal management, and power distribution systems that deliver the reliability that mission-critical communication demands, anywhere it must operate. Are you ready to enable possible? We are ready to hear from you. About the Role Drive machining excellence and lead from the front. This role owns the end-to-end machining strategy while overseeing daily operations, elevating performance, and relentlessly pursuing continuous improvement. You’ll champion SQDC to ensure world-class quality and on-time delivery while building a culture of accountability and results. Leading a team of supervisors, managers, and skilled contributors, you’ll align people, processes, and technology to deliver measurable impact. If you thrive on optimizing performance, developing high-performing teams, and turning strategy into execution, this is your opportunity to make a lasting mark. What You’ll Do (Essential Job Functions) Lead and develop a high-performing machining organization Oversee high-precision machining operations Develop, guide, and deliver machining strategy, tooling, fixturing, and process optimization Develop, guide, and deliver CNC programming strategy Oversee and manage operations of machining production areas to ensure volume, cost, utilization, and quality standards are achieved. Develop labor to CNC ratio optimization Reduce machine stops Increase time between machine stops Lead and manage machining teams Perform routine management tasks Coaching and developing workforce Resource management and workforce planning Leading machining philosophies to drive core competency of machining brazements such as: Dynamic milling Distortion Control Adaptive machining Coordinate machine maintenance, turnarounds, and downtime for efficiency. Monitor production metrics and create actionable improvements from data insights. Serve as subject matter expert for resolving escalated issues, defects, etc. Collaborate cross-functional and with business leaders to develop, implement, and deliver safety, quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency/utilization programs. Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives that identify, control, and prevent defects Develop and implement lean manufacturing initiatives that improve efficiencies, including 5S tools and culture. Develop and execute capacity models to optimize spindle utilization, labor efficiency, and throughput. Lead shop floor scheduling strategy (shift models, staffing ratios, machine loading). Establish standardized work for programming, setup, tooling, and inspection. Drive process discipline across shifts to ensure repeatability and predictability. Other duties as assigned. What You’ll Bring (Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) Active Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt 5-axis machining knowledge CMM inspection methodology knowledge Demonstrated experience scaling machining operations (growth, new programs, and/or facility expansion) Your Experience (Minimum Qualifications) Bachelor’s Degree in related field. May be substituted by commensurate experience. Minimum 15 years of experience in high-precision aluminum machining. Exposure to AS9100 / aerospace and defense production. At least 5 years of experience in team management. Competency in Mastercam programming. Root Cause Analysis. CNC Machining. GD&T and blueprint interpretation. Manufacturing process flow. Quality Management System requirements. Lean Six Sigma and Lean metrics (OEE, utilization, etc.). Legal authorization to work in the US and provide appropriate documentation establishing identity and employment eligibility as required by applicable law. Must qualify as a U.S. Persons as defined in 22 CFR § 120.62 under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Must be able to successfully complete a drug screening in accordance with the Company’s drug testing policy and applicable law. Must be able to successfully complete a criminal background check in accordance with the Company’s screening policy and applicable law. What Awaits (Total Rewards) 3 weeks of vacation, 48 hours of paid safe and sick leave, and 10 paid company-observed holidays. 401(k) employer match Company paid short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program Excellent health, den