Lathe Cell Lead
About The Position
The Lathe Cell Lead oversees the operation of the Lathe Machining cell, including offline programming, production scheduling, quality standards, and team leadership. The role requires a strong background in machining operations, leadership, and process optimization. The Cell Lead directs the day-to-day work of the Mazak Lathe and Turning Centers cell, helps ensure production targets and customer demand are met, and supports new product introduction and continuous improvement. This position also contributes to quoting new work and providing design-for-manufacturability feedback to customers. The role leads and mentors machinists, operators, and technicians; develops CNC programs and manufacturing processes for new and legacy lathe parts; optimizes machining processes; and promotes a safe, collaborative, and continuously improving workplace. The position is based in a clean, well-lit, temperature-controlled manufacturing facility. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 8 years of hands-on CNC machining experience.
- At least 3 years of offline programming experience.
- Deep knowledge of machining processes and tooling selection.
- Strong knowledge of CNC machining, GD&T, and machine control systems.
- Knowledge of quality instruments and how to use them.
- Experience with the business side of operations, such as quoting, customer relations, and production planning.
- Proven leadership, clear communication, and a collaborative mindset.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to innovation and excellence.
- Strong working knowledge of safety practices in a machining environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Proactive and self-motivated, with an interest in continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Reliable and dependable.
Nice To Haves
- Formal machining training or certification.
- Mastercam experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead daily operation of the Mazak Lathe and Turning Centers machining cell, including scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow management to meet production targets and customer demand.
- Supervise and mentor machinists, operators, and technicians, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
- Ensure adherence to quality standards, safety protocols, and production procedures.
- Develop CNC programs and manufacturing processes for new and legacy lathe parts.
- Program parts and fixtures using CAM software, including Mastercam.
- Optimize feeds, speeds, and processes for maximum efficiency.
- Design fixtures and custom cutting tools.
- Use machine simulation software to ensure code is collision-free.
- Assist with quoting new work, including providing design-for-manufacturability feedback to customers.
- Set up and run CNC lathes as needed to support new product introduction and continuous improvement.
- Develop and implement continuous improvement ideas for new and legacy parts.
- Enforce safety policies and procedures, conduct safety training, and promote safety awareness and compliance.
- Lead and support initiatives to improve departmental processes, systems, and workflows.
- Evaluate performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions to increase efficiency, quality, and employee engagement.
- Champion projects to ensure customer delivery requirements are met.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting Day One.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- Competitive 401(k) with company match.
- Quarterly bonus program.
- Opportunity for career growth, training, and mentorship.
- Compensation commensurate with experience.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
