Machinist Lead

Job Description
Job Description
Machinist Lead
Location: Houston, TX 77041 (Onsite)
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $35-$40/hr
CornerStone Professional Placement is looking for a Machinist Lead for a manufacturing client in the Houston, TX area.
Ready to take the lead on the shop floor while keeping your hands on the machines? If you're an experienced CNC and manual machinist who enjoys troubleshooting complex machining challenges, guiding other machinists, and keeping production on track, this opportunity offers the chance to put both your technical and leadership skills to work.
This hands-on leadership role is responsible for overseeing daily machining operations, supporting CNC and manual production, and ensuring parts meet precise quality standards and production deadlines.
This is an excellent opportunity for machinists with experience in CNC programming, precision machining, and shop floor leadership who want to remain hands-on while taking greater ownership of team performance and production operations.
Responsibilities
* Lead daily machine shop operations, assign work, and coordinate production priorities to meet deadlines.
* Set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC and manual lathes, mills, and other machining equipment.
* Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T specifications to produce accurate parts.
* Edit and troubleshoot CNC programs using G-code and adjust tooling, feeds, and speeds as needed.
* Inspect finished components using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision measuring tools.
* Train and mentor machinists, troubleshoot production issues, and maintain safety and quality standards.
* Coordinate with manufacturing leadership and other departments to address production challenges and improve shop efficiency.
Qualifications
* 3+ years of hands-on machining experience in a CNC and manual manufacturing environment.
* Previous experience leading, training, or mentoring machinists.
* Proficiency with CNC and manual lathes, mills, machine setups, and troubleshooting.
* Ability to read engineering drawings, interpret GD&T, and work within precise tolerances.
* Experience editing CNC programs using G-code.
* Knowledge of machining materials, tooling, feeds, speeds, and quality inspection practices.
* Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
* High school diploma or equivalent required. Trade school or machinist certification preferred.
* Forklift certification or willingness to obtain is a plus.
* Must have or be willing to obtain standard machinist tools.
Why Candidates Like This Role
* Competitive hourly pay: $35-$40/hr.
* Hands-on leadership: Stay involved in machining while directing daily shop activities.
* Technical variety: Work with CNC and manual equipment, programming, setups, and precision components.
* Team development: Train and mentor machinists while supporting production goals.
* Professional development: Opportunities for equipment training, technical development, and continuous improvement.
Additional Details
* Schedule: Onsite, with occasional overtime or adjusted hours based on production needs.
* Benefits: To be confirmed.
* Work Environment: Manufacturing and machine shop setting with exposure to machinery, noise, and varying temperatures.
* Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, reach, handle materials, and lift up to 50 lbs.
* Travel Requirements: No routine travel specified. Reliable transportation required for onsite attendance.