Materials Manager

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:

L.A. Gauge Company
“American Precision at Its Best”

About Us

For 65 years, L.A. Gauge Company has set the standard for ultraprecision machining and optics, delivering the most reliable, complex, and mission-critical hardware for the aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries. We routinely hold machining tolerances of 40 millionths of an inch and achieve optical flatness to the 20th wave.

Fueled by rapid growth, we continue to expand our operations and capabilities. We are looking for a highly motivated, hands-on Industrial Engineer to help optimize production, drive innovation, and take our performance to the next level.

Why Join Us?

• Work at the cutting edge of precision manufacturing and materials science
• Drive impact in industries where quality and reliability are mission-critical
• Being part of a high-growth environment with opportunities for personal and professional development
• Join a culture that values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement

About the Role

We’re looking for a high-impact Materials Manager to lead day-to-day execution and long-term optimization at our advanced CNC machining facility. This role is critical to balancing throughput, quality, and cost while scaling operations in a fast-paced, high-spec production environment. You’ll own production planning, team leadership, and Lean execution—working cross-functionally to drive schedule adherence, reduce waste, and deliver on customer commitments.

Requirements:

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily operations across CNC machining, programming, and scheduling to meet on time delivery, quality and profitability targets
• Own inventory management, resource allocation, and production sequencing in alignment with business objectives
• Embed Lean principles (5S, SMED, Kanban, Gemba) into daily workflows to eliminate waste and boost efficiency
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks quickly using data-driven decisions and cross-functional collaboration
• Lead a high-performing production team with clarity, accountability, and hands-on coaching
• Communicate and collaborate with customers on production order schedules
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supplier Management and Human Resources to ensure seamless communication and process integration
• Act as point of escalation for tooling, staffing, maintenance, and schedule disruptions
• Support recruiting, onboarding, goal setting, and development at all levels of the production floor

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree , equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years in manufacturing and production control management, preferably in CNC and contract manufacturing environments.
• Strong level of ERP proficiency and production scheduling.
• Proven track record implementing Lean manufacturing principles with measurable impact.
• Familiarity with metals (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, beryllium) and CNC machinery (mills, lathes, EDM, 5-axis).
• Hands on Manager with an ownership mindset.
• Results-driven problem solver committed to meeting delivery deadlines, maintaining quality standards, and supporting profitability goals.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with all levels of stakeholders, from machinists and expediters to customers and executive leadership.
• High integrity, reliable, and committed to building a culture of accountability, safety, and results.

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• 401k
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Generous Time Off (Two Weeks PTO and 11 Paid Holidays)
• Employee Appreciation Events

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, committed to building an inclusive workplace that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Employment decisions are made without regard to , , , , , , , , veteran status, or any other legally protected status.