How to hire a machine shop supervisor

How to hire a machine shop supervisor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step machine shop supervisor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a machine shop supervisor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new machine shop supervisor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The machine shop supervisor hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A machine shop supervisor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, machine shop supervisors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents machine shop supervisor salaries for various positions.

   Type of Machine Shop Supervisor	Description	Hourly rate
   Machine Shop Supervisor		$15-37
   Shop Lead	A shop lead is responsible for overseeing their crew. They ensure the safety of their crew by giving regular training... Show more	$13-38
   Shift Production Supervisor	A shift production supervisor is in charge of overseeing business operations, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around devising strategies to reach production standards and production targets, supervising and assessing staff performance, delegating tasks, managing schedules, and prioritizing customer satisfaction... Show more	$10-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CNC Machines
   • CNC Lathes
   • Continuous Improvement
   • Lean Manufacturing
   • Safety Procedures
   • Production Schedules
   • ISO
   • Cad Cam
   • On-Time Delivery
   • Machine Shop Operations
   • Aerospace
   • Machine Tools
   • CAD/CAM
   • Shop Floor

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Conduct employee training that encompass all require OSHA and company safety guidelines to achieve a safe and productive work environment.
   • Key person in maximizing use of MRP system.
   • Manufacture product to ISO 9001standards to assure internal and external customers receive a high-quality product.
   • Perform all fabrication for shop to include mig welding, arc welding and tig welding.
   • Work with manufacturing engineers, designing various fixtures and jigs to support repetitious production for the CNC Haas mills.
   • Monitor standard operating procedures per ISO 9001certifaction.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your machine shop supervisor job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A machine shop supervisor can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, machine shop supervisors' average salary in alaska is 52% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level machine shop supervisors 57% less than senior-level machine shop supervisors.
   • Certifications. A machine shop supervisor with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a machine shop supervisor's salary.

   Average machine shop supervisor salary

   $50,887yearly

   $24.46 hourly rate

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   Entry-level machine shop supervisor salary

   $33,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a machine shop supervisor job description

   A machine shop supervisor job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a machine shop supervisor job description:

   Machine shop supervisor job description example

   General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
   
   We have an exciting opportunity for a Machine Shop Supervisor to join our Propulsion Shop operating out of our Gray Butte and El Mirage facilities in the high desert of CA.
   
   This position is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a machining and/or sheet metal department. Plans and directs subordinates to achieve assignments using established guidelines, procedures, and policies. Directs the activities of the group to ensure smooth flow of work and that production schedules are met. Establishes, interprets, and modifies operational processes and procedures. Develops up to date accurate documentation and reports to reflect machine shop activities. Participates with management in developing/updating operating procedures and training programs and participates in the selection, retention, and development of staff.
   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
   
   * Supervises Machinists, Fabricators and/or Technicians through all phases of production in accordance with established schedules. Offers guidance and coaching to manufacturing personnel.
   * Assists in designing and building tooling needed for the production process.
   * Manages and directs the activities of the machining and sheet metal function and other areas as assigned.
   * Reviews engineering drawings and production planning for conformance in all mechanical manufacturing departments.
   * Applies knowledge of production planning, scheduling of workload, tooling requirements and machine maintenance to ensure a smooth flow of work through the departments.
   * Evaluates and determines staffing requirements and technical capabilities of personnel within the function, and participates in the hiring, training, and evaluation of staff.
   * Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
   
   DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
   
   * Strong knowledge of machining practices, methods and tools used.
   * Ability to write CNC programs and have functional knowledge of CNC operations required.
   * Experienced in metal forming processes with a strong background in welding.
   * Solid background of demonstrated multi-discipline leadership, and the proven ability to manage product flow to support schedules.
   * Familiarity with Production Control practices is a plus.
   
   We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find machine shop supervisors for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your machine shop supervisor job on Zippia to find and recruit machine shop supervisor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit machine shop supervisors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new machine shop supervisor

   Once you've decided on a perfect machine shop supervisor candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new machine shop supervisor first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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