Machine Shop Lead

About the role

Lead CNC Machinist Precision. Pride. Performance. At Applied Aerospace & Defense, we manufacture complex aerospace and defense products where precision matters. But what we build is only part of who we are. How we work matters just as much. We're looking for an experienced Lead CNC Machinist who knows how to make difficult parts—and knows how to help other machinists get better at making them too. This is not a desk-based leadership position. It's a hands-on working Lead role for someone who wants to stay connected to the machines while becoming a technical leader within our Machine Shop.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex CNC setups and machining operations.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Determine tooling, workholding, machining sequences, and setup strategies.
• Support program prove-out and first-part production.
• Perform precision measurements and verify dimensional conformance.
• Troubleshoot tooling, setup, dimensional, and machining problems.
• Work closely with CNC Programming, Engineering, and Quality to solve difficult manufacturing challenges.
• Serve as a technical resource for the Machine Shop.
• Help coordinate daily machining priorities.
• Train and mentor less-experienced machinists.
• Support difficult setups and troubleshooting.
• Share machining knowledge and proven practices.
• Help establish expectations for craftsmanship, quality, safety, and accountability.
• Lead through your technical ability, judgment, consistency, and example.
• Help reduce setup and cycle time.
• Improve machine utilization.
• Reduce scrap and rework.
• Improve tooling and workholding.
• Solve recurring machining problems.
• Standardize successful machining practices.
• Improve production flow.
• Develop the capability of the entire Machine Shop.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive CNC machining experience.
• Advanced CNC setup and machining capability.
• Experience producing complex, tight-tolerance components.
• Strong blueprint and GD&T interpretation skills.
• Advanced knowledge of tooling, workholding, speeds and feeds, offsets, and machining practices.
• Strong precision measurement skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex machining problems.
• Experience training, mentoring, or providing technical guidance to other machinists