Senior CNC Machinist / Shop GM (Equity Path | Aerospace/Defense | High

An up-and-coming precision manufacturing engineering company is looking to expand further in the southwest. We are exploring growth in place or may open a second shop in Phx or relocate there within 24 months. We’ve recently secured investor backing and we’re scaling. This is a hands-on leadership role for a top-tier machinist who has always felt:
“If I’m already working this hard, I should be building something I own.”
If you’re the kind of person who thrives under pressure, takes pride in doing it right the first time, and can lead a small team to hit aggressive delivery and quality targets—keep reading.

The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Senior CNC Machinist / Factory General Manager to help us take the shop to the next level. You’ll be the person who owns execution on the manufacturing side—especially on high-value, high-visibility work.

Clear division of Roles and Responsibilities
We will carry all aspects of the business development, finance, admin, compliance and infrastructure so we can scale together while you can focus on your craft.
This role is not “just machining.” It is a demanding role of leadership + production + results + safety. This role is for a unique individual.

Who This Is For
You’re likely a:
• Master Machinist (CNC) who can set the standard for speed + quality
• Shop Manager / Lead Machinist who enjoys owning the toughest jobs
• Senior Manufacturing Engineer who understands how important to do DFM and help customers up front
• Aerospace/Defense machinist who understands discipline, traceability, and urgency
• Builder-minded leader who can mentor others and drive a culture of performance
• Learner – You are not afraid to be coached if you make mistakes as you want the feedback as it fuels your growth

What You’ll Be Accountable For
• On-time delivery improvements and daily execution control
• Leading a small team: prioritization, training, accountability, coaching
• Running and improving processes: setups, inspection discipline, documentation habits
• Hands-on machining when needed (especially critical-path/high-value work)
• Building a shop that customers trust with their most important projects

Requirements
• Strong CNC machining background (4 Axis mills/turning(Live Tooling); multi-axis a plus)
• Aerospace/Defense mindset: quality, documentation, repeatability
• Calm under pressure, high ownership, and a “no excuses” execution style
• Ability to teach/mentor and raise the capability of others
• Comfortable with challenging targets and doing what it takes to hit them – you do not waste time blaming others as you find opportunities to improve yourself and process as you know the results will drive your rewards (joy in winning and monetary)

Military background is a plus (not required)—we value the discipline and mission-focus.

Compensation & Equity
This role is designed for someone playing the long game.
• Pay will start below top-market because we are prioritizing meaningful equity partner here for the long haul.
• Equity can be accelerated for the right person with the right performance and commitment.
• The upside is intended to be real in a 2–3 year cycle if challenging targets are hit.

This is not a fit if:
Your priority is maximum cash today, with “maybe equity later.”
You are looking for a remote job or are tied down to a location now

It is a fit if:
You want to put in the hard work and build something and be rewarded like an owner.

Core Characteristics
• Making customers happy (early is on time and on-time is considered late in your personality)
• You do not worry about Quality escape metrics as you have in process checks that won’t allow bad parts out the door
• You know that past changes are history and you are only worried about the future you will create
• Your pulse quickens when a customer says, 'No one else can handle this—it's too complex, too precise, or needed by tomorrow.' That's your signal to step up and deliver
• You breathe GD&T and teach it regularly
• You enjoy working with Engineering to find best practices to problems and help each other
• You want to be number 1 as you feel anything less is missing the mark
• You value motivating your team by leading by example
• Integrity above par and second to none
• You would never let a design flaw go forward and say that the way they designed it as you care about it being function

Read This Before Applying
Please don’t apply unless you are confident, you’re in the top tier of your peers in:
• Technical competence
• Speed with control
• Quality discipline
• Ownership mentality
• Leadership under pressure
• Emotional Maturity

For most this role will scare you, This role will be the most challenging role you have ever undertaken but it will be the most rewarding professionally and pernally. You already know if you are ready for the challenge. If this description makes you think, “Finally—someone is offering an opportunity that is exactly how I operate,” you’re probably our person.
How to Apply
Reply with:
1. A summary of your machining background (machines, materials, tolerances, industries)
2. Your leadership experience (even informal lead roles)
3. One example of a turnaround you led (delivery, scrap, throughput, training, etc.)
4. Confirmation you are open to a lower cash / higher equity structure
5. Confirmation you are open to relocation
6. Confirmation that you
Process:
We will review resumes and personal summaries, followed by interviews. Drug testing, personality, and leadership profiling will be required to ensure alignment with our culture and expectations. You’ll also complete an on-site technical interview — likely a one-day project based on a provided print, sent to you in advance. Our investor will meet with you one-on-one as part of the process. Finalists must provide references. We will conduct deep-dive conversations to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and leadership history.
We’re highly motivated to move quickly — but we will not accelerate this process for candidates with competing offers. We're not just hiring an employee; we're building a partnership. This due diligence benefits both sides and is critical to ensuring long-term success.