Lead CNC Operator

Lead CNC Operator

The Lead CNC Operator oversees a team of CNC operators on the 2nd shift, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role combines hands-on machine operation with leadership responsibilities, including training, troubleshooting, and coordinating with other shifts to keep parts running smoothly throughout the shop.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a team of approximately five CNC operators on the 2nd shift, serving as the primary point of contact for questions, issues, and guidance.
• Effectively handle personnel issues that arise during the shift and communicate relevant information and concerns to the Technical Manager.
• Perform or assist others with setting up new jobs on CNC mills and/or lathes, ensuring accurate machine setup and smooth job transitions.
• Work collaboratively with other shifts to maintain continuous production flow and minimize downtime across the shop.
• Operate CNC equipment, closely observe machine performance, and correct malfunctions or out-of-tolerance conditions in a timely manner.
• Make program adjustments as needed to maintain part quality and adherence to specifications.
• Verify conformance of finished first articles to specifications, make necessary adjustments, and perform subsequent inspections to sustain the desired quality level.
• Use inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, and various gauges, to measure and verify part dimensions and quality.
• Read and interpret technical drawings to determine appropriate machine setup, tooling, and production methods.
• Perform and document preventative maintenance on CNC machines and related equipment as needed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized machine shop environment in accordance with company safety standards.
• Regularly lift up to 50 pounds of raw materials or machine parts, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Help train team members on machine operation, setup, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying and communicating opportunities to enhance productivity, quality, and safety on the shift.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of experience operating and setting up CNC mills and/or lathes utilizing conversational programming (required).
• Proficiency in operating CNC machines, including making program adjustments and addressing malfunctions or out-of-tolerance conditions.
• Ability to use inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and various gauges to verify part dimensions and quality.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings to determine machine setup, tooling, and production methods.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead, support, and communicate effectively with team members across shifts.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve production, quality, and equipment issues.
• High school diploma or GED (required).
• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds of materials or machine parts, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous shift lead or supervisory experience (preferred).
• Experience training or mentoring other CNC operators.
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance practices for CNC machines.
• Comfort working independently and making decisions during off-shift hours.
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

Work Environment

This role is based on the 2nd shift, which runs Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., including a 30-minute meal break, and includes a shift differential of $1 per hour for hours worked on 2nd shift. The position is located in Thornton, CO, within a machine shop environment that emphasizes cleanliness and safety. You will work around CNC mills and lathes, performing setup, operation, and preventative maintenance in a production setting. The company maintains a clean and safe working environment and follows established safety practices. The dress code is casual, allowing for comfort while still meeting safety requirements appropriate for a manufacturing and machining environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Thornton, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Thornton, CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 2026.