Department Lead, Machine Shop (Internal Candidates Only)

Build Quality. Lead the Team. Keep Production Moving.

We’re looking for an experienced Machine Shop Lead who brings together strong machining knowledge and hands-on leadership.  In this role, you’ll help lead the daily activities of the Machine Shop while working alongside the team to produce high-quality machined components. You’ll coordinate workflow, support and train employees, troubleshoot machining and production issues, and help ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and efficiently.

If you’re an experienced machinist who enjoys solving problems, developing others, and keeping a busy shop running smoothly, this could be a great next step in your career.

What You’ll Do

Lead the Team

• Plan, assign, and direct daily work within the Machine Shop.
• Coordinate staffing and move employees between workstations or departments based on production needs.
• Train and support employees on machining processes, equipment, quality requirements, and safe work practices.
• Provide clear, professional direction and communicate effectively with employees, fellow leads, supervisors, engineering, programmers, and production personnel.
• Provide the supervisor with meaningful feedback to support employee performance reviews.
• Address employee concerns and routine production issues, escalating concerns to the supervisor when appropriate.
• Carry out Lead responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable requirements.

Support Machining & Production

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, sketches, specifications, manuals, and sample parts to determine dimensions, tolerances, machining sequences, and setup requirements.
• Set up and operate CNC and manual lathes, mills, drill presses, grinders, and other machine shop equipment.
• Select, align, and secure fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials.
• Calculate and adjust machining parameters, including speeds, feeds, coolant flow, depth of cut, and cutting angles.
• Enter, retrieve, and modify machine control information as needed.
• Perform trial runs and verify machine settings and programmed control data.
• Monitor machining operations and make adjustments to correct malfunctions or out-of-tolerance conditions.
• Measure and verify finished components to ensure they meet specifications and quality requirements.
• Develop specifications and sketches from general descriptions when needed.
• Partner with engineering, production, programming, and other departments to resolve machining and assembly challenges.
• Handle part discrepancies, locate missing parts, and resolve part-related production issues.
• Use SAP to claim, schedule, and track parts.

Maintain a Safe & Efficient Shop

• Operate forklifts and hoists safely and in accordance with established requirements.
• Use hand tools and air-powered tools safely.
• Exercise care and attention when operating or working around machinery and equipment.
• Help maintain an organized, productive, and safety-focused work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

Education & Experience

• Associate degree, Machinist Certificate, Machinist Associate’s Degree, or similar education from a technical college or trade school OR
• One to two years of related Machine Shop experience and/or training OR
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Technical Skills

• Experience operating CNC and manual lathes and mills.
• Ability to operate a drill press, forklift, hoist, hand tools, and air-powered tools.
• Ability to read and interpret machining drawings, specifications, and instructions.
• Working knowledge of machining concepts, dimensions, tolerances, tooling, speeds, and feeds.
• Ability to apply practical math concepts, including fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Comfortable using computer programs and making modifications when required.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and apply practical judgment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with individuals and small groups.

Leadership Skills

• Ability to organize and prioritize work to support production requirements.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to train, coach, and provide day-to-day direction to employees.
• Ability to remain professional and make sound decisions during high-pressure situations.
• Strong attention to quality, safety, and detail.

Certification

• Forklift certification required.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Regularly stand, reach, and use hands to handle tools, materials, controls, and equipment.
• Frequently walk, talk, and hear.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work on your feet for extended periods, including shifts of up to 10 hours, in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Requires close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• May be exposed to chemicals and manufacturing substances including metalworking fluids, brake fluid, parts-washing solutions, and cleaners.
• Work is performed in a loud manufacturing environment where hearing protection is required.