CNC Lathe Production Team Lead

About the Role

Primus Aerospace is a leading manufacturing partner to aerospace, defense & space OEMs, Primes, and Tier I suppliers, specializing in high-tolerance, complex geometry parts machined from standard and exotic metals. The CNC Lathe Production Team Lead will oversee daily operations at our Lakewood facility, ensuring production efficiency, quality, and team performance.

This hands-on role requires superior communication skills to bridge the shop floor, shift changes, and office while fostering a positive teamwork environment. The Team Lead will also test and validate programs, set up machines, train operators, and troubleshoot issues.

Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM–4:30 PM.

To adhere to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily CNC lathe production, ensuring orders are completed on time, within cost, and to quality standards.
• Set up and operate CNC lathes; verify routers, drawings, and programs for accuracy.
• Provide reliable setups, instructions, and tooling support to operators; monitor cycle times, scrap rates, and part quality.
• Lead and motivate the machinist team by setting goals, delegating tasks, and fostering open communication.
• Train, coach, and evaluate employees; support hiring, performance management, and disciplinary actions in line with company policy.
• Promote Lean manufacturing, 5S, safety compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage standardized work practices, shop floor organization, and care of equipment.
• Collaborate with programming and operations teams to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Drive process improvements, risk management, and knowledge sharing across the department.
• Support team development through training programs, feedback, and team-building activities.
• Perform additional tasks as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED with 5+ years of machining experience.
• Ability to set up CNC lathes.
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), print reading, and manufacturing mathematics.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to delegate tasks, analyze problems, and make decisions under pressure.
• Proven leadership experience driving employee engagement and accountability.
• Experience with performance metrics.
• Must have personal tools, including indicators, micrometers, calipers, and deburring tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience reducing turnaround times and streamlining work processes.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a CNC set-up machinist.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• 10 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 401K match.
• Long- and short-term incentive plans.
• Benefits start on the 1st of the month following the date of hire.