Lead Machinist - Swiss and Mill Turn

ARCH•Newtown, CT

About The Position

The Lead Machinist sets up, operates, and troubleshoots conventional, special-purpose, and CNC machines and machining centers to fabricate metallic and nonmetallic parts. The role requires experience setting up and operating Mill Turn B-Axis Twin Spindle machines and Citizen/Tsugami multi-axis Swiss lathes. The Lead Machinist works with Engineering to start up new parts and helps ensure equipment is maintained and personnel are trained to produce high-quality parts. The position operates machines, performs job setups, adjusts tooling and machine offsets, reviews and edits CNC programs, and inspects parts using hand tools, specialty devices, and CMM equipment. It also supports quality documentation, production scheduling, employee training, troubleshooting, process development, and part repair and rework. The work environment regularly includes proximity to moving mechanical parts, with a usually moderate noise level. The employee regularly stands and uses hands to handle or feel objects, frequently walks and reaches, and occasionally sits. Lifting requirements include up to 10 pounds regularly, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Close vision and depth perception are required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Completion of a machining-related apprenticeship program, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three to five years of experience at the Machinist level, demonstrating the ability to start up new parts and troubleshoot difficult machining problems.
Experience setting up and operating Mill Turn B-Axis Twin Spindle machines and Citizen/Tsugami multi-axis Swiss lathes.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, blueprints, specifications, and quality plans.
Ability to communicate effectively with other employees, present numerical data, and write routine correspondence.
Ability to apply geometry, trigonometry, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations; perform basic arithmetic and interpret bar and line graphs.
Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, and schedule instructions and solve practical problems with limited standardization.
Ability to identify and resolve problems, gather and analyze information, develop alternative solutions, and participate in group problem solving.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing, handling objects, walking, reaching, and lifting as described in the job description.
Ability to demonstrate the ARCH Experience Behaviors: Together by Choice, Continuously Improve, Walk the Talk, Being the Best, and Customer Peace of Mind.
Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and follow safety and security procedures.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a Vocational Technical High School or Community College Advanced Manufacturing Certificate program.
Ability to create programs using MasterCam, Part Maker, and Esprit software.
Working knowledge of Excel, Word, SolidWorks, and MasterCam.

Responsibilities

Load starting material into machines and unload machined parts; deburr parts as needed for inspection and safety.
Perform daily housekeeping and maintenance checks, and coordinate machine maintenance and preventive maintenance.
Adjust tool and machine offsets, including fixture offsets and cutter compensation, and change speed and feed rates to optimize machining.
Set up complex machining jobs by installing and aligning fixtures, accessories, and cutting tools according to job instructions and tool sheets.
Retrieve the current CNC program revision, download it to the machine, observe machine operation, identify malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining, and adjust setups as needed.
Recognize tool wear, adjust tool offsets, replace tools, and select and prove out alternate tools when appropriate.
Read CNC programs line by line and edit CNC code to improve machining processes.
Inspect parts using hand tools, specialty inspection devices, and CMM equipment; interpret inspection data to identify trends and validate readings through alternate methods.
Read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and quality plans; complete quality paperwork and computer entries; verify and sign off first- and last-piece inspections.
Update Green Folder documentation and notify Process Engineering in accordance with quality procedures; disposition discrepant material and approve NMRRs within assigned dollar limits.
Operate multiple machines simultaneously as required and assist with machine work scheduling; work a flexible schedule when required for training or machine, tooling, or processing issues.
Train employees on equipment for which the Lead Machinist is competent, ensure area employees are trained, provide input to the Value Stream Manager on performance and disciplinary matters, and mentor apprentices.
Identify whether problems relate to the machine, workholding, material, tooling, or CNC program; analyze information and resolve issues, escalating exceptionally difficult problems to senior machinists, engineers, or supervisors.
Provide technical information and guidance to Engineering and Quality on process design; support new-part startups, including independently starting less-complex parts with some assistance and assisting on more-complex parts.
Set up and rework parts independently on CNC and manual machines; analyze discrepant material and provide remedial, corrective, and preventive actions.
Demonstrate quality, productivity, safety, and security practices, and perform other job-related duties as assigned.