Lead CNC Machinist (PM Shift)

Schedule
This is a 3 - 4 x 11 rotating shift working alternating Wednesdays.

Shifts Available

Sun - Wed 2nd shift (4pm - 3:30am)
Wed - Sat 2nd shift (4pm - 3:30am)

The Lead CNC Machinist is an advanced technician who acts as a frontline leader, coordinating the daily work of the machining team while ensuring top-tier quality and production performance. This role requires specialized expertise, advanced troubleshooting skills, and the independent judgment necessary to solve difficult assignments and drive process improvements. As a role model on the shop floor, the Lead CNC Machinist provides daily direction, mentors less-experienced team members, and acts as a delegate for the supervisor. The operational impact of this role spans weeks to quarters, directly influencing the workgroup and department's overall standard of execution 

Team Leadership & Daily Direction 

• Act as a floor lead, coordinating the work of peer machinists, managing a high workload, and providing daily direction to maintain production continuity across shifts.
• Serve as a dedicated mentor to less-experienced team members; assist the supervisor and act as their delegate when required.
• Foster strong fundamentals and cross-team collaboration, serving as a cultural and technical role model on the shop floor. 

CNC Machining Expertise 

• Lead setup and operation of advanced CNC equipment including 3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis machining centers. 
• Support machining execution for complex prototype and production hardware. 
• Apply advanced GD&T knowledge to validate setups and machining strategies. 
• Troubleshoot complex machining challenges including tooling performance, fixture alignment, machine limitations, and process instability. 
• Support machine recovery and process troubleshooting with minimal supervision. 

 Process Optimization & Innovation 

• Collaborate with engineering teams to improve manufacturability and machining efficiency. 
• Develop and refine machining strategies including tooling, fixturing, setup methodology, and programming approaches. 
• Drive improvements in cycle time, setup reduction, tooling performance, and process repeatability. 
• Support implementation of advanced machining techniques and additive manufacturing workflows where applicable. 

Production Ownership & Continuous Improvement 

• Collaborate with management to define and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring the entire team executes work to established standards.
• Take technical ownership of machining operations from setup through stable production. 
• Support production ramp activities and machining scalability initiatives. 
• Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on throughput, quality, and repeatability. 
• Act with urgency to resolve machining issues impacting production schedules or delivery timelines.  

Quality & Documentation 

• Oversee the accurate maintenance of setup sheets, tooling documentation, and machining records across the workgroup.
• Support inspection teams with measurement validation and machining quality requirements. 
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.  

Team Leadership & Mentorship 

• Mentor machinists and operators on machining best practices, setups, and troubleshooting. 
• Provide technical guidance across shifts to maintain process consistency. 
• Promote accountability, craftsmanship, and operational discipline on the floor.  

Safety & Compliance 

• Champion EHS standards and machining safety practices. 
• Identify operational risks proactively and support mitigation efforts. 
• Maintain organized and high-functioning machining work areas. 

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
• 5–8 years of CNC machining experience with strong multi-axis machining expertise. 
• Demonstrated experience or strong aptitude for leading peers, coordinating workloads, and mentoring junior technicians.
• Advanced proficiency with Siemens and Heidenhain controllers. 
• Advanced understanding of GD&T and machining process optimization. 
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex machining processes and setups. 
• Experience implementing dynamic work offsets and advanced setup methodologies. 
• Ability to operate independently with strong technical ownership. 

• Experience machining additively manufactured components. 
• Familiarity with gantry CNC systems and advanced machining technologies. 
• Experience supporting rapid production or prototype manufacturing environments.
• Prior experience acting as a shift lead, supervisor delegate, or formal peer mentor 

• This role operates in a fast-paced, high-mix production environment where priorities can shift rapidly based on engineering changes, supply chain constraints, and program milestones. The environment demands tight cross-functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, quality, logistics, and program teams to ensure daily execution aligns with long-term build plans.
• Success in this environment requires hands-on engagement on the shop floor, strong systems knowledge, and the ability to anticipate and resolve scheduling risks before they impact key deliverables.
• The culture emphasizes proactive communication, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement to meet aggressive program timelines while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and efficiency