Sr Manager, Machine Shop

The Sr Manager, Machine Shop at Relativity Space is responsible for overseeing CNC machining and precision manufacturing operations, ensuring production meets aggressive targets while adhering to AS9100/NADCAP standards. You will lead a high-performing team, implement automation and digital solutions, and collaborate with engineering teams to optimize processes that contribute to the rapid development of the Terran R rocket.

Candidates for the Sr Manager, Machine Shop at Relativity Space should have at least 7 years of experience in machining and precision manufacturing, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role. Expertise in CNC machining, particularly with aerospace-grade materials such as titanium, Inconel, and aluminum, is crucial. Previous experience implementing advanced technologies in high-rate manufacturing environments will also be advantageous.

At Relativity Space, the company culture is focused on transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As a Sr Manager in the Machine Shop, you'll foster a team-oriented environment that values technical excellence and accountability, where your leadership will not only mentor machinists but drive innovation and operational efficiency in line with our ambitious aerospace goals.

Relativity Space ensures quality and safety in its machine shop operations by adhering to strict AS9100 and NADCAP standards. The Sr Manager, Machine Shop plays a crucial role in maintaining rigorous quality control processes, driving improvements in lead time and production efficiency, and implementing best practices in machining to deliver high-precision aerospace components.

A role as a Sr Manager, Machine Shop at Relativity Space opens up myriad opportunities for career advancement. You will gain invaluable leadership experience and technical knowledge in the rapidly evolving aerospace manufacturing sector. Relativity Space also emphasizes personal and professional growth through mentoring programs, training stipends, and a commitment to continuous learning.

In answering this question, highlight your specific experiences with CNC machining and how you've applied these skills to create aerospace components. Discuss your understanding of tight tolerance requirements and the materials you've worked with, emphasizing problem-solving instances that demonstrate your technical prowess.

When addressing this question, emphasize the importance of workflow optimization and automation. Discuss any strategies you've successfully implemented in previous roles, such as real-time monitoring and Lean methodologies that helped streamline production processes while maintaining quality standards.

For this question, outline a structured mentorship program that involves hands-on training, regular performance evaluations, and fostering an open environment where questions are encouraged. Highlight your commitment to developing talent and sharing knowledge through practical workshops or collaborative projects.

While answering this question, choose a project that involved intricate machining tasks and required innovative problem-solving. Discuss the challenges faced, your approach to managing the project, and the outcomes of those efforts, focusing on how you contributed to improving processes or exceeding production goals.

Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) such as lead time, production output, quality standards, and efficiency rates. Discuss how you utilize these metrics to guide decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives within the machine shop, ensuring that targets align with company goals.

In your response, emphasize your proactive approach to staying updated with industry trends through professional networks, technical journals, and conferences. Discuss specific advanced technologies that you’re familiar with and how you envision implementing them to enhance operations in your future role.

Discuss the critical role that teamwork plays in achieving operational objectives, particularly in high-stakes environments like aerospace manufacturing. Provide examples of how effective communication and collaboration among engineering, production, and quality assurance teams have led to successful outcomes in your experience.

Outline your conflict resolution strategy, which should involve active listening and creating a safe space for open discussion. Highlight your experience in mediating conflicts, providing examples of situations where resolving issues led to a more productive working environment.

When answering this question, articulate the significance of AS9100 and NADCAP standards in ensuring the highest quality and safety in aerospace manufacturing. Discuss your experience with these standards and how you have maintained compliance in previous roles, ensuring excellence in production.

In addressing this question, describe your systematic approach to technology integration that includes assessing current processes, pilot testing new technologies, providing staff training, and measuring effectiveness post-implementation. Emphasize your commitment to enhancing efficiency and safety through thoughtful technology adoption.