Lead CNC Machinist - Defense

Lead CNC Machinist

Job Summary

Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense company, is seeking an accomplished, hands-on Lead CNC Machinist to help drive precision machining excellence in support of mission-critical defense applications. This is an opportunity for an experienced CNC professional to lead from the shop floor—working with advanced machining technology, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and mentoring a skilled team that takes pride in producing high-quality components to exacting standards.

The Lead CNC Machinist will oversee and support CNC machinists in the setup, programming, and operation of multi-axis CNC lathes, vertical turret lathes (VTLs), 5-axis mill-turn centers, and cylindrical grinding machines. This role is ideal for someone who combines deep machining expertise with strong leadership skills and a commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.

In addition to supporting daily production, the Lead CNC Machinist will guide complex setups, optimize machining processes, troubleshoot technical issues, and develop the capabilities of other machinists. Working closely with engineering, programming, production, and quality teams, this individual will help ensure precision components for defense-related electro-mechanical systems are manufactured accurately, efficiently, and on schedule while meeting demanding customer and quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor CNC machinists in daily operations, ensuring adherence to setup procedures, machining standards, and safety protocols.
• Set up and operate multi-axis CNC lathes, VTLs, 5-axis mill-turn, and cylindrical grinding machines to manufacture precision components to tight tolerances.
• Oversee and verify CNC program optimization for performance, tool life, and part quality; assist with complex setups and troubleshooting.
• Train and develop team members on the proper use of tooling, workholding, offsets, G-code editing, grinding wheel setup and balancing, and inspection methods.
• Review and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T specifications, and work instructions to confirm compliance with customer and quality requirements.
• Coordinate in-process and final inspections using manual and automated metrology tools to verify dimensional accuracy.
• Monitor and adjust machining operations in real time to ensure part conformance and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, programming, and quality teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Plan and prioritize work assignments to meet production schedules and maximize spindle utilization across multiple machines.
• Maintain accurate documentation for setups, tooling usage, maintenance, and production output.
• Ensure proper preventive maintenance on equipment and tooling, and coordinate repairs when needed.
• Champion a culture of safety, organization, and continuous improvement throughout the machining area.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or formal machining training preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience operating and setting up multi-axis CNC machines, including VTLs and/or 5-axis mill-turn equipment, in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership experience in a shop-floor environment, with the ability to train, motivate, and direct a team of machinists.
• Advanced knowledge of GD&T, tight-tolerance machining, and inspection methods.
• Proficiency with both manual inspection tools, including micrometers and bore gauges, and automated measurement systems, including touch probes and CMMs.
• Familiarity with FANUC, Siemens, or OSP (Okuma) CNC controls preferred.
• Experience in an ISO 9001 or defense manufacturing environment strongly desired.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• U.S. Person status required to comply with defense contract regulations.

Working Conditions

• Clean, well-maintained defense manufacturing facility.
• Requires standing for extended periods and lifting materials up to 50 lbs.
• Use of PPE and adherence to all safety procedures is mandatory.
• May require occasional overtime or flexible scheduling to meet production demands.