CNC Lead Machinist

Polymer Concepts Technologies•Orange, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The CNC Lead Machinist is responsible for the setup, operation, troubleshooting, adjustment, and preventative maintenance of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Swiss Screw machines used in the manufacture of precision components. This position manufactures high-quality products in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, customer requirements, and established quality standards while supporting a safe, efficient, and continuous manufacturing operation. In addition to performing advanced machining responsibilities, the CNC Lead Machinist serves as the technical lead for the CNC machining area by providing day-to-day work coordination, technical guidance, and mentorship to CNC Machinists on the assigned shift. Working closely with the Production Supervisor, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams, this position supports production efficiency, employee development, problem resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives while helping ensure safe and effective manufacturing operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of four (4) years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated proficiency in CNC machine setup, troubleshooting, tooling adjustments, and process optimization.
Experience operating CNC Swiss Screw machines or comparable precision CNC equipment.
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
Experience using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, gauges, and related inspection equipment.
Basic mathematical skills, including shop calculations and dimensional conversions.
Strong problem-solving abilities with the capability to make sound technical decisions.
Ability to work overtime, weekends, or alternate shifts as operational needs require.

Nice To Haves

Experience machining stainless steel, titanium, and specialty engineered materials.
Previous experience serving as a Lead Machinist, Lead Operator, Trainer, or Technical Mentor.
Experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, or continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience utilizing ERP systems or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
Advanced knowledge of CNC machining methods, tooling, feeds, speeds, machine offsets, and material characteristics.
Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees through technical leadership.
Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple machining operations while maintaining quality, productivity, and safety.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality workmanship.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build collaborative working relationships across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance.
Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
Ability to safely operate multiple CNC machines simultaneously when production demands require.
Ability to influence others through technical expertise, teamwork, and professional communication.

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, and optimize CNC Swiss Screw machines to manufacture precision components.
Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, work instructions, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements to ensure dimensional accuracy.
Install, adjust, and verify tooling, fixtures, machine offsets, and program settings necessary to complete assigned work.
Monitor machining operations and make necessary machine offset adjustments to maintain quality, efficiency, and productivity.
Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges, and other inspection instruments
Conduct routine quality inspections to verify compliance with engineering specifications and customer requirements.
Document tool changes, production data, machine adjustments, inspection results, and other required manufacturing records.
Troubleshoot machining, tooling, equipment, and process issues while implementing appropriate corrective actions.
Assist in reducing setup times and improving machining efficiency through process optimization and continuous improvement activities.
Support validation of new tooling, fixtures, machine setups, and process improvements as assigned.
Maintain equipment and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
Follow all company safety policies, quality procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Production, and fellow machinists to resolve production challenges and improve manufacturing performance.
Identify and recommend improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, equipment utilization, and waste reduction.
Provide day-to-day technical leadership, work direction, and support to CNC Machinists.
Coordinate daily machine assignments and work priorities in alignment with the production schedule and Production Supervisor direction.
Lead shift start-up meetings and communicate production priorities, safety expectations, quality concerns, and operational updates.
Train, coach, and mentor machinists on machine setup, operating techniques, inspection requirements, troubleshooting, safety procedures, and company standards.
Monitor adherence to established work instructions, quality procedures, safety requirements, and productivity expectations while promptly communicating concerns to the Production Supervisor.
Serve as the first point of contact for machining-related production, tooling, equipment, and quality issues while coordinating support with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Production leadership.
Support effective shift handoffs by communicating machine status, production progress, downtime, quality concerns, tooling issues, and outstanding priorities.
Provide timely feedback to the Production Supervisor regarding staffing needs, attendance concerns, employee development opportunities, training progress, and operational challenges.
Promote teamwork, accountability, respectful communication, technical excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the CNC machining area.