CNC Lead Machinist

The CNC Lead Machinist is responsible for the setup, operation, troubleshooting, adjustment, and preventative maintenance of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Swiss Screw machines used in the manufacture of precision components. This position manufactures high-quality products in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, customer requirements, and established quality standards while supporting a safe, efficient, and continuous manufacturing operation. In addition to performing advanced machining responsibilities, the CNC Lead Machinist serves as the technical lead for the CNC machining area by providing day-to-day work coordination, technical guidance, and mentorship to CNC Machinists on the assigned shift.

Working closely with the Production Supervisor, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams, this position supports production efficiency, employee development, problem resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives while helping ensure safe and effective manufacturing operations.

• Set up, operate, and optimize CNC Swiss Screw machines to manufacture precision components.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, work instructions, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements to ensure dimensional accuracy.
• Install, adjust, and verify tooling, fixtures, machine offsets, and program settings necessary to complete assigned work.
• Monitor machining operations and make necessary machine offset adjustments to maintain quality, efficiency, and productivity.
• Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges, and other inspection instruments
• Conduct routine quality inspections to verify compliance with engineering specifications and customer requirements.
• Document tool changes, production data, machine adjustments, inspection results, and other required manufacturing records.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, equipment, and process issues while implementing appropriate corrective actions.
• Assist in reducing setup times and improving machining efficiency through process optimization and continuous improvement activities.
• Support validation of new tooling, fixtures, machine setups, and process improvements as assigned.
• Maintain equipment and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Follow all company safety policies, quality procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Production, and fellow machinists to resolve production challenges and improve manufacturing performance.
• Identify and recommend improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, equipment utilization, and waste reduction.

The CNC Lead Machinist provides technical leadership and day-to-day work coordination for CNC Machinists while remaining actively engaged in machining operations. Although this position serves as the primary technical resource for the machining team, formal supervisory responsibilities—including employee performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, hiring decisions, and other employment actions—remain with the Production Supervisor.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide day-to-day technical leadership, work direction, and support to CNC Machinists.
• Coordinate daily machine assignments and work priorities in alignment with the production schedule and Production Supervisor direction.
• Lead shift start-up meetings and communicate production priorities, safety expectations, quality concerns, and operational updates.
• Train, coach, and mentor machinists on machine setup, operating techniques, inspection requirements, troubleshooting, safety procedures, and company standards.
• Monitor adherence to established work instructions, quality procedures, safety requirements, and productivity expectations while promptly communicating concerns to the Production Supervisor.
• Serve as the first point of contact for machining-related production, tooling, equipment, and quality issues while coordinating support with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Production leadership.
• Support effective shift handoffs by communicating machine status, production progress, downtime, quality concerns, tooling issues, and outstanding priorities.
• Provide timely feedback to the Production Supervisor regarding staffing needs, attendance concerns, employee development opportunities, training progress, and operational challenges.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, respectful communication, technical excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the CNC machining area.

Employees may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities consistent with the nature of the position and evolving business needs.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in CNC machine setup, troubleshooting, tooling…