CNC Machinist Lead / Setup Specialist
About The Position
PacAero Agawam is seeking an experienced CNC Machinist Lead / Setup Specialist to provide technical direction and day-to-day coordination within our aerospace machining operations. This is a working lead role responsible for performing CNC setups, supporting machinists, and helping ensure machining activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with engineering, quality, and customer requirements. This position serves as a primary technical resource on the shop floor and supports daily production scheduling by coordinating machine assignments, job readiness, and workflow based on priorities established by the Manager and Production Control. This is not a formal people management role. The CNC Machinist Lead / Setup Specialist does not conduct discipline, performance reviews, or write-ups, but provides technical guidance and communicates employee or production concerns to the Manager as appropriate. This position located in Agawam, MA and is onsite, full-time days, Monday through Friday, and is non-exempt.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training preferred
- Minimum 5 years of CNC milling experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing
- Strong CNC setup experience required, including multi-axis milling
- Advanced ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and tight tolerances
- Experience with CNC controls such as Haas, Okuma, or similar
- Strong troubleshooting and machining problem-solving skills
Nice To Haves
- Experience supporting machining workflow coordination or job scheduling
- Experience with Mastercam or other CAM software
- Familiarity with AS9100 and aerospace quality standards
- Prior experience in a senior machinist or setup-focused role
Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day technical direction and support to CNC machinists
- Coordinate job assignments, machine utilization, and workflow based on production priorities
- Support production scheduling by monitoring job progress and helping adjust workflow as needed
- Ensure machines, tooling, and materials are ready to support scheduled work
- Communicate production delays, equipment issues, or capacity concerns to the Manager
- Reinforce expectations related to safety, quality, and workplace standards
- Escalate employee concerns, attendance issues, or performance concerns to the Manager
- Perform complex CNC milling setups including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machines
- Conduct first-piece prove-outs and inspections
- Verify tooling, offsets, fixtures, and setup accuracy prior to production runs
- Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and process issues to support efficient production
- Assist operators with technical questions and problem resolution
- Support machine changeovers and process adjustments
- Ensure machining activities comply with PacAero quality standards and aerospace requirements, including AS9100, ISO9001, and customer specifications
- Verify parts meet blueprint requirements, GD&T, and tolerance specifications
- Support First Article Inspections and in-process inspection activities
- Identify and communicate nonconformances or recurring process concerns
- Support corrective actions through technical input and process reinforcement
- Identify opportunities to improve setup efficiency, cycle times, and throughput
- Support tooling improvements and machining strategies
- Assist in maintaining standardized setup practices and documentation
- Support continuous improvement initiatives including Lean and 5S
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machining environment in accordance with PacAero standards
- Follow all company safety, quality, and operational procedures
- Support workplace organization and housekeeping standards
- Perform other related duties as assigned
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
