Lead CNC Machinist

Direct Placement Summary This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced machinist who excels at solving complex manufacturing challenges, developing machining processes, mentoring others, and driving operational performance. The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong shop floor leadership to support production, safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. What You'll Do ... Technical Leadership Serve as the primary machining expert for Davenport and Acme Gridley multi-spindle screw machines. Lead complex setups, troubleshooting, repairs, and process optimization activities. Develop machining processes, tooling strategies, setup documentation, and work instructions. Calculate and optimize feeds, speeds, tooling, cycle times, and machining parameters. Support new product launches and process validation activities. Production & Operational Support Establish daily machining priorities based on customer demand and production schedules. Coordinate staffing, machine capacity, tooling, and materials to meet production goals. Monitor quality, throughput, scrap, downtime, and schedule attainment. Identify production constraints and implement corrective actions. Team Development Train and mentor operators, setup technicians, and machinists. Transfer technical knowledge and develop future technical leaders. Help create standardized processes, setup sheets, and troubleshooting guides. Foster a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. Equipment Reliability & Continuous Improvement Lead machine repair, rebuild, and preventative maintenance activities. Drive improvements in uptime, setup reduction, cycle times, quality, and productivity. Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives. Promote safe work practices and compliance with quality standards. What We're Looking For Required Qualifications 10+ years of machining experience in a manufacturing environment. 5+ years of advanced setup, troubleshooting, and repair experience on Davenport and/or Acme Gridley multi-spindle screw machines. Expertise in machining steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills. Experience with precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gauges, and thread gauges. Demonstrated experience leading production priorities and mentoring technical employees. Strong problem-solving, mechanical aptitude, and communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Machining apprenticeship, journeyman certification, technical degree, or equivalent trade training. CNC setup and programming experience. Previous experience as a lead machinist, technical lead, setup lead, or supervisor. Experience in high-volume precision manufacturing. Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience. ERP/MRP system experience.