Lead CNC Machinist

About the job Lead CNC Machinist


CNC Machinist

Location: Cincinnati, OH (Northwest Cincinnati)
Industry: Precision Machining / Metal Fabrication
Schedule/Shift: Full-Time | First Shift | Monday - Thursday
Compensation Range: $30.00-$42.00 per hour, based on experience
Employment Structure: Direct Hire | Full-Time

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with an established Cincinnati-area manufacturing company to identify an exceptional CNC Machinist who can serve as a senior technical resource within its machining operation.

This opportunity is designed for a highly skilled, hands-on machinist who thrives in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate can independently manage multiple CNC milling setups per shift, troubleshoot complex machining challenges, and consistently deliver precision parts without sacrificing quality or efficiency.

Beyond technical expertise, this individual will play an important role in developing less experienced machinists, sharing knowledge, improving processes, and helping elevate the overall capabilities of the machining team.

This is a working, hands-on position for someone who takes ownership of their work, enjoys solving problems, and wants to be recognized as a go-to technical resource.

What You'll Do

• Independently set up, operate, and troubleshoot 3-axis CNC vertical milling machines in a high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Complete an average of 2-3 different machining setups per shift, with the flexibility to accommodate additional changeovers as production demands require.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and machining instructions.
• Establish, verify, and adjust tool offsets, work offsets, and cutter compensation to maintain dimensional accuracy.
• Read, interpret, and edit G-code and M-code programs directly at CNC machine controllers.
• Identify and resolve machining issues involving programs, tooling, fixtures, workholding, setups, and part dimensions.
• Consistently manufacture and inspect components to specified tolerances, including ±0.005 inch or tighter as required.
• Perform first-piece inspections and make necessary adjustments to ensure production quality.
• Optimize setups, tooling selections, and machining processes to improve efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Serve as a technical resource for less experienced machinists, providing hands-on training, troubleshooting support, and guidance on machining best practices.
• Collaborate with manufacturing leadership, engineering, and quality personnel to resolve production challenges and improve shop-floor performance.
• Maintain safe, organized, and efficient machining operations while balancing productivity and precision.

What You'll Need

• Minimum of 5 years of CNC machining experience, with demonstrated progression in technical responsibility, setup capabilities, and independent problem-solving.
• Strong hands-on experience setting up and operating 3-axis CNC vertical machining centers.
• Proven ability to independently perform complete machine setups, including tooling, workholding, program verification, offsets, and first-article inspection.
• Experience reading, understanding, and editing G-code and M-code at the machine controller .
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining operations and correct dimensional or process-related issues without constant supervision.
• Ability to consistently produce parts within ±0.005-inch tolerances and verify results using precision measuring instruments.
• Experience managing multiple setups, changing priorities, and varied part geometries in a production environment.
• Strong blueprint reading, shop mathematics, and practical machining knowledge.
• Willingness and ability to mentor, train, and support developing machinists while maintaining personal production responsibilities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, personal accountability, and commitment to quality.
• Experience in a job-shop, high-mix/low-volume, or custom manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Prior experience as a Lead Machinist, Senior Setup Machinist, Toolmaker, or technical resource is advantageous; a formal leadership title is not required.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Competitive Compensation: $30.00-$42.00 per hour, commensurate with technical experience and capabilities.
• Technical Ownership: Work independently on a variety of machining challenges rather than repetitive, single-part production.
• Meaningful Influence: Help develop the next generation of machinists while contributing directly to production success.
• Variety and Challenge: Work in an environment where machining expertise, adaptability, and problem-solving are valued.
• Career Opportunity: Join an established manufacturing operation where experienced, dependable machinists can make a measurable impact.