CNC Shop Lead/ Lathe and Mill Programmer

Job Description

Job Description

The Lathe and Mill Machinist Lead is responsible for setting up and operating manual and CNC lathes and mills to produce precision machined components to blueprint and tolerance specifications, while also providing day-to-day leadership, CNC programming support, and technical guidance to the lathe and mill machining team. This role requires close coordination with Production, Quality, and Engineering to plan and execute job runs efficiently, serves as the shift-level point of escalation for setup, programming, and quality issues, and supports the company's commitment to Continuous Improvement.

About the Role

Leading the machine shop team, the Lead is responsible for reading and interpreting blueprints, selecting appropriate tooling, and setting up work-holding fixtures for both manual and CNC lathe and mill operations, in addition to organizing daily work assignments, mentoring team members, and being the first point of contact for technical and production questions on the floor. Strong attention to detail and precision measurement skills are essential, as the role requires consistent first-piece and in-process inspection throughout the shift, quick learning of new part programs, and strong troubleshooting ability. The Lead is also expected to model best practices, coach less experienced machinists, and help maintain a consistent standard of quality and safety across the team. Prior lathe and mill machining experience, along with demonstrated leadership or informal mentoring experience, is required.

Workplace Standards

•        Comply with all safety and PPE requirements (eyewear, hearing protection, work shoes, uniform, etc.).

•        Collaborate with plant staff to continually improve processes and workflows.

•        Maintain punctuality and compliance with attendance and workplace policies.

•        Complete production and inspection sheets accurately and on time.

•        Weigh and process scrap according to established procedure.

•        Routinely and frequently check parts produced against the quality control plan.

•        Communicate clearly and consistently at shift changeover.

•        Keep communication boards updated and followed accordingly.

•        Ensure targets and metrics are visible and clear to all team members.

•        Follow lunch break policy, including punching in and out for paid break time.

•        Perform proper cleaning and maintenance of machine tools and work areas.

•        Support down-time and scrap data collection.

Key Responsibilities & Job Duties

•        Set up and operate manual and CNC lathes and mills to produce precision parts to blueprint and tolerance specifications.

•        Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T callouts to determine machining sequence and setup requirements.

•        Select, install, and adjust tooling, fixtures, and work-holding devices for each job run.

•        Edit and optimize CNC programs (G-code) at the machine control as needed to correct offsets and improve cycle time.

•        Perform first-article, in-process, and final inspection using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, indicators, and CMM as applicable).

•        Diagnose and correct dimensional or surface finish issues through tooling, speed/feed, or program adjustments.

•        Machine components from a variety of materials, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and brass.

•        Perform routine preventive maintenance on lathes, mills, and related equipment.

•        Maintain accurate production, quality, and tooling records in the shop management system.

•        Collaborate with Quality and Engineering on tooling changes, process improvements, and non-conformance resolution.

•        Support new part run-offs, first-piece approvals, and production of prototype or short-run parts.

•        Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area consistent with 5S standards.

•        Assist with training of junior machinists as needed.

•        Perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership Responsibilities

In addition to core machining duties, the Lathe and Mill Machinist Lead provides working-level supervision and technical direction to the lathe and mill team, ensuring daily production, quality, and safety goals are met.

•        Serve as the primary point of contact and technical resource for the lathe and mill team during each shift.

•        Assign and prioritize job runs among team members based on the production schedule, workload, and machine availability.

•        Train, mentor, and develop junior and mid-level machinists on setup, programming, and troubleshooting best practices.

•        Monitor team performance against production, quality, and scrap metrics; provide coaching and corrective feedback as needed.

•        Coordinate with Production, Quality, and Engineering to resolve escalated technical issues and non-conformances.

•        Lead and support the team on CNC programming, troubleshooting program errors, offset issues, and cycle-time problems as they arise on the floor.

•        Teach and coach machinists on CNC programming techniques and best practices to build overall team proficiency and reduce reliance on outside programming support.

•        Review and approve first-article and in-process inspections completed by team members before parts advance.

•        Lead daily shift huddles and communication at changeover, ensuring targets, priorities, and safety topics are clearly communicated.

•        Support onboarding of new machinists, including training plans, skill assessments, and progress check-ins.

•        Identify, propose, and help lead continuous improvement initiatives within the machine shop.

•        Escalate staffing, equipment, or safety concerns to the Machine Shop Supervisor / Production Manager in a timely manner.

•        Step in to operate lathes and mills directly as needed to cover absences, training gaps, or peak production demand.

Required Qualifications

•        High school diploma or equivalent; formal machinist training, apprenticeship, or associate degree in Machine Tool Technology preferred.

•        4–7+ years of experience operating manual and/or CNC lathes and mills in a production environment, including prior experience as a lead, trainer, or informal shift point-person preferred.

•        Ability to read blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T specifications.

•        Proficiency with precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, dial/digital indicators).

•        Working knowledge of Fanuc, Haas, Siemens, or similar CNC controls preferred.

•        Strong CNC programming experience (conversational and/or G-code), including creating, editing, and optimizing programs for lathe and mill operations.

•        Proven ability to troubleshoot CNC programming issues (offsets, tool paths, cycle-time, and program errors) and support other machinists in resolving them.

•        Familiarity with ISO or IATF quality system requirements as they apply to the machine shop.

•        Ability to calculate speeds, feeds, and material removal rates.

•        Comfortable with computer applications and willing to learn company software for job tracking and quality documentation.

•        Ability to operate a forklift and overhead crane as needed.

•        Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.

•        Adaptable, self-driven, with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.

•        Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and give constructive feedback to fellow machinists.

•        Strong verbal communication and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to coordinate priorities across a shift.

•        Ability to make sound, independent decisions on job prioritization and escalation in the absence of the Machine Shop Supervisor.

•        Physically able to lift, bend, stoop, climb, and reach.

•        Must be authorized to work in the United States; position based in Texas and subject to applicable Texas wage and labor law.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Ability to work under pressure and maintain commitment to meeting delivery deadlines promised to customers. The role requires standing for extended periods on the shop floor, working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, noise, and machine coolant/lubricants, and the physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, stoop, climb, and reach. Must be able to operate a forklift and physically move materials, tooling, and equipment as required.

Reporting Structure

•        Directly reports to: Machine Shop Supervisor / Production Manager.

•        Functionally reports to: Quality Manager (for inspection and non-conformance matters).

•        Direct reports: Lathe and Mill Machinists assigned to the shift/team (working lead — day-to-day work direction; formal HR/disciplinary authority remains with the Machine Shop Supervisor).

•        Back-up: Machine Shop Team.

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW
VanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of n independent, medium-sized supplier in this market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment.
Due to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process.

Company Description

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW\r\nVanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of n independent, medium-sized supplier in this market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment.\r\nDue to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process.