Machinist Lead
Position Summary
The Lead Machinist / Shop Foreman is responsible for supervising daily machine shop operations while serving as a hands-on technical leader. This position directs machinists, welders, and shop personnel to ensure quality workmanship, safety compliance, productivity, and on-time delivery of customer projects.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Lead, train, mentor, and supervise machinists, welders, mechanics, and shop personnel.
Assign daily work priorities and monitor progress toward production goals.
Conduct employee performance evaluations and provide coaching for continuous improvement.
Maintain a positive, productive, and safety-conscious work environment.
Cookordinate manpower and resources to meet customer delivery deadlines.
Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and training new employees.
Set up, operate, and troubleshoot manual and CNC machine tools, including lathes, mills, boring mills, grinders, and related equipment.
Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and repair documentation.
Establish machining processes and procedures to ensure quality and efficiency.
Verify dimensional accuracy using precision measuring instruments.
Assist with complex machining, repair, and fabrication projects as needed.
Support reverse engineering and custom manufacturing efforts.
Ensure proper machine maintenance and shop equipment upkeep.
Oversee scheduling and workflow to maximize shop productivity.
Monitor quality standards and ensure compliance with customer specifications.
Review completed work for accuracy and adherence to quality requirements.
Implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Maintain accurate shop records, job documentation, and production reports.
Ensure compliance with ISO, customer quality standards, and company procedures as applicable.
Enforce company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
Conduct daily safety observations and toolbox meetings.
Ensure employees utilize proper PPE and safe work practices.
Investigate and document accidents, incidents, and near misses.
Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Aid management with estimating labor requirements and project planning.
Communicate with customers regarding project status, technical requirements, and repair recommendations.
Support field service and emergency repair activities when necessary.
Work closely with operations, sales, and management teams to meet customer expectations.
Required Qualifications
A high school diploma or GED.
Technical school or apprenticeship training in machining preferred.
7+ years of machining experience in an industrial, repair, manufacturing, or machine shop environment.
3+ years of supervisory or leadership experience.
Strong proficiency with manual machine tools; CNC experience preferred.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, and specifications.
Experience using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and indicators.
Working knowledge of shop math, tolerances, and machining practices.
Proficient with Microsoft Office and shop management software.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience repairing rotating equipment such as pumps, gearboxes, compressors, fans, and electric motors.
Welding and fabrication experience.
Experience with balancing, shaft repair, bearing fits, and equipment rebuilds.
Leverage in Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement.
OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
Forklift and overhead crane certification.
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting of heavier items with assistance.
Ability to work in a machine shop environment with exposure to noise, heat, vibration, and industrial equipment.
Ability to operate forklifts, overhead cranes, and material handling equipment.
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, paid holidays, life and disability insurance.
Additional supplemental benefits.
Eligibility for the 401(k) plan.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
All employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan.
Except where prohibited by state law, all offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a drug test.
Equal opportunity employer.