Workshop Team Leader

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. The Exploration Company is looking for a Workshop 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 ma…