About the Opportunity
We are developing a Houston-area CNC machining and manufacturing business focused on producing large components for the oilfield and heavy industrial sectors.
We are looking for an experienced CNC machinist and manufacturing professional who wants to play a key role in building a shop from the ground up. This is an opportunity to help shape the equipment, processes, and operating standards of a new business, with the potential to take ownership of day-to-day shop operations as the company grows.
The ideal candidate is more than a machine operator. We are looking for someone with the practical experience and judgment to help determine what equipment to purchase, how to establish efficient manufacturing processes, how to quote jobs, and how to consistently produce quality parts at competitive costs.
The business owner will focus on business development, customer relationships, and company growth, while this individual will help lead the technical and operational side of the business.
Responsibilities
Startup Planning and Development
Help evaluate and select CNC machinery, tooling, workholding, and inspection equipment.
Advise on shop layout, equipment requirements, and practical startup costs.
Establish machining processes, production workflows, and operating procedures.
Help identify the capabilities needed to serve oilfield and heavy industrial customers.
CNC Machining and Programming
Program, set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC machinery.
Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerances, and machining specifications.
Develop efficient machining strategies for large and complex components.
Determine appropriate tooling, workholding, setups, and cutting parameters.
Estimate cycle times, material requirements, and production costs.
Manufacturing Efficiency and Cost Reduction
Identify opportunities to reduce machining time, unnecessary setups, scrap, and production costs.
Recommend practical design-for-manufacturability improvements when appropriate.
Help develop competitive quotes without sacrificing quality or profitability.
Establish repeatable processes that improve productivity and delivery performance.
Shop Management
Transition into leading day-to-day shop operations as the business launches and customer demand supports the position.
Manage production scheduling, quality control, tooling, maintenance, and material flow.
Help establish inspection, documentation, and material traceability procedures.
Support future hiring, training, and development of additional shop personnel.
Customer and Supplier Support
Assist with technical reviews of customer drawings and RFQs.
Help evaluate job feasibility, costs, lead times, and manufacturing risks.
Coordinate with material suppliers, tooling vendors, and outside service providers.
Communicate technical requirements and production constraints clearly.
Qualifications
Significant hands-on CNC machining experience.
Strong CNC programming, setup, and troubleshooting capabilities.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and machining specifications.
Experience selecting tooling, workholding, cutting strategies, and machining processes.
Practical understanding of production costs, cycle times, and manufacturing efficiency.
Ability to work independently, solve problems, and make sound technical decisions.
Strong communication skills and interest in helping develop a new business.
Preferred experience:
Large-component CNC machining, including large turning, vertical turning lathes (VTLs), milling, or boring mills.
Oilfield equipment, heavy industry, industrial repair, or custom job-shop manufacturing.
Quoting jobs, estimating machining time, purchasing equipment, and managing shop operations.
Quality documentation, material traceability, and customer-specific inspection requirements.
Engagement Structure
The initial engagement will focus on paid consulting work to help establish the technical and operational foundation of the business. This may include equipment evaluation, startup planning, manufacturing process development, and reviewing potential customer work.
The goal is to transition into a full-time shop leadership position as the facility, equipment, and customer pipeline are established. The timing of that transition will depend on business readiness and sufficient customer demand.
Compensation and engagement terms will be discussed based on the candidates experience and the scope of the initial work.
There may also be an opportunity to discuss a future ownership interest under a separate, mutually agreed written arrangement. Any ownership opportunity would be negotiated separately and is not guaranteed.
Who We're Looking For
We want someone who knows how a machine shop actually works not just how to run a machine. The right person can evaluate a job, identify the best way to make it, understand the costs involved, and help build a manufacturing operation that customers can rely on.
If you have substantial machining experience and are interested in helping build and eventually lead a shop, we would like to hear from you.
