Machine Shop Lead

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is a hands-on technical leader responsible for supporting and coordinating daily operations within a high-precision aerospace manufacturing environment. The role combines advanced machining expertise with leadership responsibilities, with most of the time spent on the production floor operating equipment, performing machine setups, troubleshooting complex machining issues, and providing technical guidance to machinists.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead daily machine shop activities while remaining actively involved in production.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for machinists and operators.
• Support machining operations across 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers, horizontal machining centers, CNC lathes, Swiss-type CNC machines, grinders, saws, and manual machine tools.
• Perform setups, prove-outs, troubleshooting, tooling optimization, and process improvements.
• Read and interpret G-code and M-code and make machine-side program edits, including feeds, speeds, offsets, and tooling changes.
• Partner with Engineering, Programming, and Quality teams to support prototype, development, and new product introduction activities.
• Support AS9100 and customer quality requirements, first article inspections, and corrective actions.
• Design, build, modify, and validate custom fixtures, soft jaws, workholding devices, toolholders, fixture plates, spacers, bushings, and other manufacturing aids.
• Develop creative tooling and workholding solutions for new aerospace components where no established manufacturing process exists.
• Collaborate with Engineering to ensure tooling and fixturing support dimensional requirements, repeatability, process capability, and production scalability.
• Mentor, train, and develop machinists while promoting a culture of safety, quality, and accountability.
• All other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Trade School certification a plus
• Minimum 5 years of machining experience
• Aerospace manufacturing experience and familiarity with AS9100/ISO 9001 systems 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, tooling, fixturing, and machining processes
• Ability to interpret G-code and M-code
• Experience with CNC milling and turning operations
• Proficiency with setting up and operating CNC equipment utilizing Haas, Mazak, Fanuc, Hurco, or similar controls
• Knowledge of precision management equipment (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, gauge pins, gauge blocks, etc.)
• Experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers and 4-axis horizontal machining centers
• Mastercam CAD/CAM experience
• SolidWorks experience
• CMM programming experience, including CMM Manager
• Safety-conscious behavior
• Strong attention to detail 

ITAR/EAR REQUIREMENTS

This position requires access to export control information. To conform to US Export Control regulations, the applicant should be eligible for any required authorization from the US Government. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and comply with OSHA standards. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the facility. The environmental characteristic for this position is a manufacturing setting and is occasionally exposed to heat, cold, and wet. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.