CNC Machinist A Lead

PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITES

Reports to Machine Shop Supervision. The primary purpose of the Machinist A Lead role is to provide hands-on leadership, direction, and technical support to Machinists and Machine Operators. This position plays a key role in coordinating daily shop floor activities, supporting automation and continuous improvement initiatives, and promoting a productive, accountable, and positive team culture while meeting safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES – other duties may be assigned

• Operates machine tools in a production environment to manufacture parts in accordance with specifications, blueprints, and work instructions.
• Leads and assigns daily work activities for Machinists and Machine Operators to support production priorities.
• Supports machine shop supervision with production scheduling, workload coordination, and short-term planning.
• Provides leadership and technical support for automation initiatives, including lights-out and unattended machining.
• Sets the standard for teamwork, accountability, and positive shop culture aligned with Hartwell’s operational goals.
• Collaborates with Programming to set up, prove out, and optimize new and existing part numbers.
• Works closely with Jig & Fixture Tool Makers, Machinists, Supervisors, and Management to improve processes, tooling, and throughput.
• Performs routine machine maintenance tasks including lubrication, cleaning, and degreasing to support equipment reliability.
• Loads parts for machining and performs in-process and periodic quality checks to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Coordinates across shifts to ensure smooth handoffs related to machine condition, workload status, and “Must Ship” priorities.
• Selects, sets up, and adjusts tooling in accordance with planning documents and engineering requirements.
• Inspects finished parts to verify quality and compliance with specifications.
• Operates CNC and/or manual equipment as required to meet production needs.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum 5 to 8 years of machine shop experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated leadership or lead-level experience in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Experience with a variety of machine tools, CNC Verticals, Horizontals, 5 axis and Manual Machines.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide, support, and motivate team members.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Programming, Tooling, Quality, and Management.