Senior Lead CNC Operator

Job Summary:

The Senior Lead CNC Operator is responsible for leading CNC machining operations, coordinating production activities, and ensuring the efficient manufacture of high-quality components. This role combines advanced CNC machining expertise with team leadership responsibilities. The Senior Lead CNC Operator serves as a technical resource for operators, assists with machine setup and troubleshooting, monitors production performance, and ensures compliance with quality and safety standards.

Leadership & Supervision:

• Lead and coordinate daily activities of CNC operators and machine attendants.
• Assign work priorities to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
• Train, mentor, and develop CNC operators on machine operation, setup, quality requirements, and safety procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and support to production personnel.
• Assist supervisors with workforce planning, shift coverage, and performance evaluations.
• Promote a positive, team-oriented work environment focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

CNC Operations:

• Set up, operate, and optimize CNC lathes, mills, machining centers, and other CNC equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Verify tooling, fixtures, machine offsets, and program accuracy before production runs.
• Perform first-piece inspections and production approvals.
• Monitor machine performance and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and process issues to minimize downtime.
• Assist with CNC program edits and optimization to improve cycle times and reduce scrap.
• Coordinate machine changeovers and production transitions.

Quality Control:

• Ensure products meet engineering specifications and customer requirements.
• Perform and verify dimensional inspections using precision measuring instruments.
• Review inspection reports and maintain accurate production documentation.
• Coordinate corrective actions for non-conforming products.
• Support quality audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Safety & Continuous Improvement:

• Enforce company safety policies, procedures, and housekeeping standards.
• Conduct safety observations and identify opportunities for risk reduction.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and process improvement projects.
• Recommend improvements to machining methods, tooling, fixtures, and workflows.
• Assist maintenance personnel with preventive maintenance scheduling and machine audits.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical degree or certification in CNC Machining, Manufacturing Technology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 4 to 8 years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2-3 years of leadership, lead operator, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of CNC machine operation, setup, tooling, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T specifications.
• Experience with CNC controls such as Fanuc or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, feeds, speeds, cutting tools, and materials.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments and inspection equipment.
• Basic knowledge of CNC programming and editing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Six Sigma training.
• Forklift and overhead crane certification.
• Experience working in ISO-certified manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and production reporting software.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• At least three (3) years of CNC operating experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly.
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and handling materials.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, and metalworking fluids.

Key Competencies:

Technical Skills

• CNC Setup and Operation
• Machine Troubleshooting
• Blueprint Reading
• GD&T Interpretation
• Precision Measurement
• Process Optimization

Leadership Skills

• Team Leadership
• Coaching and Training
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Conflict Resolution
• Production Planning

Personal Attributes

• Attention to Detail
• Accountability
• Reliability
• Safety Mindset
• Continuous Improvement Focus
• Strong Communication Skills

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production output versus schedule
• Scrap and rework rate
• Machine uptime and utilization
• On-time delivery performance
• First-pass yield (FPY)
• Operator training and development completion
• Safety incident rate
• Quality audit results
• Setup and changeover efficiency
• Labor productivity

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25