Lead CNC Industrial Mechanic

Lead CNC Industrial Mechanic

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

We currently have an exciting opportunity within our corporate Facilities group as a Lead CNC Industrial Mechanic, based in Poway, California.

In addition to core technical duties listed below, the Lead role acts as the second-shift Manufacturing Maintenance Department Team Lead, responsible for providing technical leadership and supporting daily second-shift operations, allocating work orders, mentoring junior technicians, and serving as the primary technical point of contact for the shift. Responsibilities include coordinating effective shift handovers, maintaining strong working relationships with the Machine Shop and Production teams, aligning maintenance activities with production priorities, and promoting shop-floor safety. The Lead will also provide input for performance reviews and participate in the hiring, onboarding, and development of maintenance technicians.

Duties And Responsibilities:

• As a skilled specialist, this position is responsible for servicing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining multi-axis CNC machines, saws, grinders, mills, lathes, robotics, hydraulic systems, compressed-air systems, process chillers, and associated manufacturing equipment.
• Provides technical leadership and direction for second-shift manufacturing equipment maintenance activities, prioritizing work based on equipment criticality, production requirements, safety, and available resources.
• Maintains strong working relationships with first-shift Manufacturing Maintenance Team, Machine Shop personnel, Production operators, supervisors, and Manufacturing leadership to understand equipment needs, communicate repair status, and minimize production interruptions.
• Oversees CNC maintenance activities on multi-axis machines and other critical manufacturing equipment.
• Starts and operates CNC machines and associated systems to test equipment performance and verify repairs.
• Troubleshoots complex and intermittent equipment issues and identifies root causes to reduce repeat failures and improve equipment reliability.
• Identifies required tools, parts, materials, and special equipment necessary to safely and effectively complete maintenance and repair activities.
• Uses the Maintenance Management System/CMMS, to manage work orders, document repairs, track equipment history, and schedule and complete preventive maintenance.
• Reads and interprets engineering drawings, electrical and electronic schematics, engineering flow diagrams, motion and industrial controls documentation, and performs algebra, geometry, and basic shop mathematics as required.
• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and associated industrial control systems.
• Utilizes machine troubleshooting and precision measurement equipment including digital multi-meters, amp probes, power analyzers, load cells, dial indicators, depth gauges, micrometers, Vernier calipers, and other specialized tools.
• Maintains awareness of critical spare parts and equipment requirements and coordinates replenishment or reordering when necessary.
• Supports preventive, corrective, predictive, and condition-based maintenance activities and recommends improvements to maintenance practices, PM requirements, and equipment reliability.
• Ensures all repairs, modifications, and maintenance activities meet applicable environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates outside vendor and OEM maintenance activities, as required.
• Works on and tracks multiple maintenance activities and projects simultaneously while effectively communicating priorities, status, and potential production impacts.
• Ensures effective shift-to-shift handover of equipment status, open work orders, unresolved issues, temporary repairs, parts requirements, vendor activities, safety concerns, and recommended next steps.
• Provides mentorship, technical guidance, and knowledge transfer to junior and developing maintenance technicians and promotes cross-training within the team.
• Promotes a strong safety culture and ensures maintenance activities are performed in accordance with established shop-floor safety procedures and Lockout/Tagout requirements.
• Removes and disposes of oils, cutting fluids, and other hazardous materials in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Assists with arc and oxyfuel welding, rigging, moving, setup, alignment, and leveling of machines and associated equipment.
• May respond to Machine Shop CNC and manufacturing equipment emergency calls and provide technical leadership during production-critical equipment failures.
• Utilizes MS Office Suite, SAP, and other applicable computer systems and applications.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires a two-year technical degree, trade school equivalent, military class C school or Military Occupation Specialty (MOS), and seven or more years of progressive experience as a journeyman CNC mechanic and production equipment repair technician.
• Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Advanced working knowledge of industrial electronics, ladder logic, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), motion controls, and associated industrial control systems.
• Advanced working knowledge of electrical equipment and systems up to 480 volts, three-phase industrial plant electrical systems, and applicable electrical code requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of CNC maintenance practices, concepts, troubleshooting techniques, and applicable safety requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of industrial mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, compressed-air systems, process cooling systems, robotics, and associated manufacturing equipment.
• Must have comprehensive knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements and be able to read, interpret, and explain electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and equipment documentation.
• Must be able to prepare sketches, processes, and other technical documentation as required.
• Must have a working knowledge of and discretion in safely operating hand and power tools, machine tools, precision measurement equipment, and electrical test instruments.
• Must be customer focused and possess excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with all levels of employees, Manufacturing and Production personnel, outside vendors and contractors, and maintenance team members.
• Must demonstrate the ability to provide technical leadership, mentor lower-level personnel, prioritize competing maintenance requirements, and work effectively in a second-shift manufacturing environment.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to accurately document maintenance activities, communicate equipment status, and conduct effective shift handovers.
• Must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex issues requiring analysis, evaluation, troubleshooting, and interpretation of technical information.
• Must possess excellent knowledge of computer operations and applications pertinent to CNC equipment, manufacturing maintenance, CMMS systems, SAP, and Microsoft Office.
• A valid California driver's license with a clean driving record verified by the DMV may be required.
• Ability to work independently or lead in a team environment is essential, as is the ability to work extended hours, overtime, weekends, or emergency response as required.
• US citizenship is required.

General Atomics Integrated Intelligence