Advanced Machining Team Leader

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation.

The Exploration Company is looking for a Advanced Machining Team Leader to lead and structure our machining workshop in Bordeaux.

You will be responsible for the daily management, performance and development of a hands-on CNC team composed of machinists and programmers. The workshop manufactures complex aerospace parts using 3-axis and 5-axis milling, CNC turning, mill-turn and grinding equipment.

Your mission will be to make the workshop run efficiently every day: ensuring priorities are clear, machines are available, blockers are removed, anomalies are managed, and parts are delivered safely, on time and at the required quality level.

You will report to the Lead Advanced Manufacturing.

What you will do

• Lead a CNC workshop team of around 6 people, with additional temporary resources depending on workload.

• Organize daily priorities, workload, machine allocation and production follow-up.

• Drive shop-floor routines to review progress, blockers, anomalies, safety, quality and delivery risks.

• Manage team performance, skills development, training, onboarding and individual follow-up.

• Support and challenge CNC programming, machining strategies, setups, tooling and workholding.

• Ensure strong execution on 3-axis milling, 5-axis milling, CNC turning, mill-turn and grinding activities.

• Improve workshop performance: machine utilization, setup time, cycle time, first-time-right, rework and delivery adherence.

• Coordinate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Metrology, Supply Chain and Design Engineering.

• Manage workshop readiness, first-level maintenance, preventive maintenance follow-up and machine availability.

• Ensure compliance with AS/EN 9100 standards, including production control, traceability, documentation and non-conformity management.

• Drive continuous improvement actions on safety, quality, cost, delivery and team development.

What you will bring

We are looking for a hands-on leader with strong CNC machining experience and real shop-floor credibility.

You may be:

• A senior CNC technician, machinist, setter or programmer who has grown into team leadership or workshop management.

• A senior workshop leader with a strong machining background.

• A high-potential manufacturing or industrialization engineer with hands-on experience in CNC programming, machining process development and shop-floor support.

You have:

• Strong experience in CNC machining, including 3-axis milling, 5-axis milling, CNC turning and/or mill-turn operations.

• Good understanding of CAM programming, cutting tools, workholding, setups and machining strategy.

• Experience with complex metallic parts, especially aluminium, stainless steel, Inconel or similar aerospace materials.

• Experience in aerospace, space, defense, motorsport, energy, medical or another high-precision industry.

• Proven ability to lead a technical production team and manage daily shop-floor priorities.

• Good knowledge of quality systems, traceability and manufacturing documentation.

• Knowledge of AS/EN 9100, ISO 9001 or equivalent quality standards.

• Strong problem-solving skills and a pragmatic, structured leadership style.

• Professional level in French and English.

Experience that would make a difference

• Previous experience with HyperMill, Haas, HG Grimme, Mazak, DMG MORI or Studer equipment would be highly valuable.

• Experience in 5-axis machining, mill-turn machining, precision grinding, workshop performance management, visual management, ERP/MES tools such as Odoo, or AS/EN 9100 audits would also help you succeed in this role.

What you will gain

• Lead and structure a strategic CNC workshop for a European space company.

• Work on critical parts for a reusable orbital spacecraft.

• Join a growing manufacturing team with advanced machining capabilities.

• Have a direct impact on workshop performance, industrial maturity and team development.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.

If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.