Lead Machinist - Portage Area

Lead Machinist - Portage Area

Lead Machinist | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $55,000 - $85,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for excelling in lead machinist? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Portage seeking experienced Lead Machinists.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We are partnering with organizations in Portage that are seeking Lead Machinists. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily machining operations and schedules.
• Train and mentor junior machinists on equipment and safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot complex machining issues and optimize processes for efficiency.
• Perform advanced setup and operation of CNC machinery.
• Conduct quality control inspections and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to refine designs and manufacturing methods.
• Maintain and repair machinery, ensuring proper functionality and minimal downtime.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proven experience (5+ years) in precision machining and operating various machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders, etc.).
• Expertise in interpreting complex engineering blueprints, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring junior machinists and overseeing workflow.
• Proficiency in CNC programming (G-code, M-code) and operating CNC machinery.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot machining issues and optimize processes.
• Commitment to quality control and safety standards within a manufacturing environment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for programming and simulation
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining CNC machinery
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior machinists and apprentices
• Certification in a specialized machining technique (e.g., EDM, laser cutting)

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lead Machinist, CNC Lead, Machining Supervisor, Shop Lead Machinist, Senior Machinist, Machine Shop Foreman, Precision Machinist Lead, Manufacturing Lead Machinist, CNC Programmer Lead, Tool and Die Lead

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.