Lead Machinist - Paw Paw Area

Lead Machinist - Paw Paw Area

Lead Machinist | Paw Paw, MI

Salary Range: $53,000 - $83,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for excelling in lead machinist? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Paw Paw, seeking experienced Lead Machinists to strengthen their teams.

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 working with companies in Paw Paw that are adding Lead Machinists to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and mentor a team of machinists, providing technical guidance and training.
• Program, set up, and operate advanced CNC machinery for complex part production.
• Interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications to determine optimal machining processes.
• Conduct quality inspections of finished parts, ensuring adherence to tight tolerances and specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve machining issues, optimizing processes for efficiency and accuracy.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to develop new products and improve existing designs.
• Maintain and perform preventative maintenance on machining equipment to ensure operational readiness.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in precision machining
• Proven ability to program, set up, and operate CNC mills and lathes (e.g., Haas, Fanuc controls)
• Strong understanding of GD&T and ability to interpret complex engineering blueprints
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including training and mentoring junior machinists
• Expertise in selecting appropriate tooling, workholding, and cutting parameters for various materials
• Proficient in using a wide range of metrology equipment for quality inspection

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for programming and simulation
• Certification in a specialized machining technique (e.g., EDM, laser machining)
• Proven ability to mentor junior machinists or lead training initiatives
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lead Machinist, CNC Lead, Machining Supervisor, Shop Lead Machinist, Manufacturing Lead Machinist, Precision Machinist Lead, Senior Machinist, CNC Programmer 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 strategicthey 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 searchmarket 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.