Machinist/Machine Shop Lead

Machinist Lead

This working lead CNC Machinist role focuses on setting up and operating Mazak 3- and 5-axis milling machines while providing hands-on leadership on the shop floor. You will machine complex parts, oversee workflows, support other CNC operators, and help develop and elevate the skills of the existing workforce. The position operates primarily on first shift with some flexibility and occasional weekend work.

Set up and operate Mazak 3- and 5-axis CNC milling machines to produce high-quality parts according to specifications and blueprints.

Program, edit, and optimize G-code to ensure efficient and accurate machining operations.

Perform basic troubleshooting and maintenance on Mazak mills to minimize downtime and maintain equipment reliability.

Use probes on CNC mills for part setup, measurement, and calibration, ensuring precise alignment and dimensional accuracy.

Interpret and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, and work instructions to plan machining operations and select appropriate tooling.

Lead daily machine shop activities, including organizing workflows, prioritizing jobs, and coordinating tasks among CNC operators.

Monitor tooling inventory, request replacements or new tooling as needed, and support preventive maintenance (PM) tasks on machines and equipment.

Provide guidance, training, and support to CNC operators, helping them improve their technical skills and overall performance.

Inspect machined parts using calipers, micrometers, and other precision measuring tools to verify conformance to specifications.

Collaborate with team members and leadership to identify process improvements, enhance productivity, and maintain a safe, efficient work environment.

Assist with manual machining operations on mills and lathes when required to support production and prototyping needs.

5–10 years of experience setting up and operating Mazak 3- and 5-axis CNC milling machines.

• Strong proficiency in G-code programming, editing, and troubleshooting for CNC milling operations.
• Hands-on experience performing basic troubleshooting and maintenance on Mazak CNC mills.
• Proficiency in probe use and calibrations on CNC mills for accurate setups and measurements.
• Leadership experience in a machine shop environment, including understanding workflows, managing tooling inventory, overseeing preventive maintenance tasks, and directing other CNC operators.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints for machining operations.
• Experience with both CNC and manual milling and lathe operations.
• Strong attention to detail, quality-focused mindset, and ability to maintain tight tolerances.
• Effective communication skills to lead, train, and coordinate with other team members on the shop floor.

Experience working with multi-axis machining, including 5-axis CNC mills.

Familiarity with preventive maintenance practices for CNC and manual machines.

Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment with changing priorities.

Ability to participate in on-site interviews and practical assessments in a machine shop setting.

This is a Permanent position based out of Huntsville, AL.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

direct hire role in huntsville, al at a small machine shop offering direct hire benefits and 401k

Application Deadline

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.