Lead - CNC Setup and Operator

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE: CNC Lead – Set-up and Operator

BASED AT: Harken, Inc. / SMC, Ferndale, WA

STATUS: Non-exempt, full-time

RATE OF PAY: $25.00 to $33.00 per hour 

Seattle Manufacturing Corporation (SMC), is a manufacturer of mountaineering and rescue equipment for over 50 years. Located in Ferndale, Washington, SMC produces Made In America gear for outdoor enthusiasts, rescue professionals and work-at-height technicians who demand technical, high-quality gear. SMC is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer. We love making really cool gear and knowing that people’s lives are positively changed by what we do.

What truly sets us apart is our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and the unique culture of ownership it fosters. Every team member is empowered to think and act like an owner, driving a workplace culture built on drive, humility, ingenuity, integrity, and ownership. You are not just an employee—you’re a valued stakeholder in our future.

Our Core Values in Action

At Harken / SMC, our work is guided by five core values:

• Drive – Taking initiative, setting ambitious goals, and pursuing excellence
• Humility – Welcoming feedback, learning from others, and prioritizing team success
• Ingenuity – Solving complex problems with practical, elegant solutions
• Integrity – Delivering honest work and upholding the highest standards
• Ownership – Taking pride in our products, our people, and our future

Why Join the Team :

• Employee-owned company (ESOP)
• Growing global organization
• Enjoy 4-day work week with Fridays off — this results in an additional 52 days per year while maintaining a full-time career 
• Strong culture of craftsmanship, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Internal growth opportunities and ongoing skills development
• 401(k) that includes a company match
• Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account and health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off after 90 day probationary period
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement

What you’ll be doing:

Job Summary:  The CNC Lead will lead a small team of CNC/Swiss Operators. This role will set up equipment, checks routine programs, and adjusts operations to meet close-tolerance and finish requirements. This role also follows detailed part drawings and uses adjustable, direct-reading, and fixed gauges to inspect work. The lead identifies operating issues and makes adjustments or minor repairs as needed.

Essential Duties:

• Lead a small team of CNC/Swiss Operators
• Set up and operate Vertical CNC and Swiss Lathe Machines
• Manage tool inventory and order tools as needed
• Lead ISO awareness and training within the department
• Develop and maintain work instructions to ISO standards 
• Collaborate with Planner to schedule jobs and work centers to meet customer demand 
• Maintain visual status board of job progress and schedule daily 
• Lead process improvements while working with engineering 
• Run routine programs and perform machining operations to meet close tolerance and finish specifications
• Recognize proper tooling and fixture applications and follow proven program formats
• Read and interpret detailed part drawings, blueprints, and specifications
• Monitor machine performance and report any variations from specifications
• Assist in proving out new programs or critical program variations under supervision
• Recommend tooling arrangements, fixtures, and operation sequences to improve efficiency and quality
• Use a variety of precision measuring instruments to inspect and verify parts
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
• Follow all company safety procedures and quality standards
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications we are looking for:

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 3 years of machine set-up and operator experience in a manufacturing environment
• High School diploma or GED equivalent

Additional Preferred Qualifications: 

• 2 years of CNC Lead experience in a manufacturing environment
• Previous work experience with machine shop practices and machining techniques
• Experience training and developing operators

Knowledge, Skills and abilities:

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
• Strong attention to detail
• Commitment to quality
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as work independently as needed
• Proactive, positive attitude with strong sense of accountability and responsibility

Harken / SMC is an equal opportunity employer.