Experience machining stainless steel, titanium, and specialty engineered materials.
Previous experience serving as a Lead Machinist, Lead Operator, Trainer, or Technical Mentor.
Experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, or continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience utilizing ERP systems or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
Full description
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Environment: On-Site
Reports To: Production
Location: Orange, CA & Anaheim, CA
CNC Lead Machinist Position Summary
The CNC Lead Machinist is responsible for the setup, operation, troubleshooting, adjustment, and preventative maintenance of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Swiss Screw machines used in the manufacture of precision components. This position manufactures high-quality products in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, customer requirements, and established quality standards while supporting a safe, efficient, and continuous manufacturing operation.
In addition to performing advanced machining responsibilities, the CNC Lead Machinist serves as the technical lead for the CNC machining area by providing day-to-day work coordination, technical guidance, and mentorship to CNC Machinists on the assigned shift. Working closely with the Production Supervisor, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams, this position supports production efficiency, employee development, problem resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives while helping ensure safe and effective manufacturing operations.
Essential Job Functions
Set up, operate, and optimize CNC Swiss Screw machines to manufacture precision components.
Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, work instructions, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements to ensure dimensional accuracy.
Install, adjust, and verify tooling, fixtures, machine offsets, and program settings necessary to complete assigned work.
Monitor machining operations and make necessary machine offset adjustments to maintain quality, efficiency, and productivity.
Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges, and other inspection instruments
Conduct routine quality inspections to verify compliance with engineering specifications and customer requirements.
Document tool changes, production data, machine adjustments, inspection results, and other required manufacturing records.
Troubleshoot machining, tooling, equipment, and process issues while implementing appropriate corrective actions.
Assist in reducing setup times and improving machining efficiency through process optimization and continuous improvement activities.
Support validation of new tooling, fixtures, machine setups, and process improvements as assigned.
Maintain equipment and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
Follow all company safety policies, quality procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Production, and fellow machinists to resolve production challenges and improve manufacturing performance.
Identify and recommend improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, equipment utilization, and waste reduction.
Lead and Supervisory Responsibilities
The CNC Lead Machinist provides technical leadership and day-to-day work coordination for CNC Machinists while remaining actively engaged in machining operations. Although this position serves as the primary technical resource for the machining team, formal supervisory responsibilities—including employee performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, hiring decisions, and other employment actions—remain with the Production Supervisor.
Responsibilities include:
Provide day-to-day technical leadership, work direction, and support to CNC Machinists.
Coordinate daily machine assignments and work priorities in alignment with the production schedule and Production Supervisor direction.
Lead shift start-up meetings and communicate production priorities, safety expectations, quality concerns, and operational updates.
Train, coach, and mentor machinists on machine setup, operating techniques, inspection requirements, troubleshooting, safety procedures, and company standards.
Monitor adherence to established work instructions, quality procedures, safety requirements, and productivity expectations while promptly communicating concerns to the Production Supervisor.
Serve as the first point of contact for machining-related production, tooling, equipment, and quality issues while coordinating support with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Production leadership.
Support effective shift handoffs by communicating machine status, production progress, downtime, quality concerns, tooling issues, and outstanding priorities.
Provide timely feedback to the Production Supervisor regarding staffing needs, attendance concerns, employee development opportunities, training progress, and operational challenges.
Promote teamwork, accountability, respectful communication, technical excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the CNC machining area.
Additional Duties
Employees may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities consistent with the nature of the position and evolving business needs.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of four (4) years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated proficiency in CNC machine setup, troubleshooting, tooling adjustments, and process optimization.
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
Experience using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, gauges, and related inspection equipment.
Basic mathematical skills, including shop calculations and dimensional conversions.
Strong problem-solving abilities with the capability to make sound technical decisions.
Ability to work overtime, weekends, or alternate shifts as operational needs require.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience machining stainless steel, titanium, and specialty engineered materials.
Previous experience serving as a Lead Machinist, Lead Operator, Trainer, or Technical Mentor.
Experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, or continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience utilizing ERP systems or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Advanced knowledge of CNC machining methods, tooling, feeds, speeds, machine offsets, and material characteristics.
Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees through technical leadership.
Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple machining operations while maintaining quality, productivity, and safety.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality workmanship.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build collaborative working relationships across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance.
Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
Ability to safely operate multiple CNC machines simultaneously when production demands require.
Ability to influence others through technical expertise, teamwork, and professional communication.
Physical Requirements
Frequently stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
Frequently use hands and fingers to handle tools, materials, machine controls, and precision measuring instruments requiring fine motor skills.
Frequently bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and crouch while performing machine setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to visually inspect parts and accurately read precision measuring instruments.
Ability to safely work around moving mechanical equipment and industrial machinery.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Work Environment
This position is performed primarily in a manufacturing environment and regularly involves exposure to CNC machining equipment, moving mechanical parts, industrial noise, metal shavings, lubricants, coolants, compressed air systems, and other manufacturing materials. Employees are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all company safety, quality, and environmental procedures.
The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Microflex Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Employees may be required to perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with business needs.