Department Lead, Machine Shop (Internal Candidates Only)

Build Quality. Lead the Team. Keep Production Moving. We’re looking for an experienced Machine Shop Lead who brings together strong machining knowledge and hands-on leadership. In this role, you’ll help lead the daily activities of the Machine Shop while working alongside the team to produce high-quality machined components. You’ll coordinate workflow, support and train employees, troubleshoot machining and production issues, and help ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and efficiently. If you’re an experienced machinist who enjoys solving problems, developing others, and keeping a busy shop running smoothly, this could be a great next step in your career. What You’ll Do Lead the Team • Plan, assign, and direct daily work within the Machine Shop. • Coordinate staffing and move employees between workstations or departments based on production needs. • Train and support employees on machining processes, equipment, quality requirements, and safe work practices. • Provide clear, professional direction and communicate effectively with employees, fellow leads, supervisors, engineering, programmers, and production personnel. • Provide the supervisor with meaningful feedback to support employee performance reviews. • Address employee concerns and routine production issues, escalating concerns to the supervisor when appropriate. • Carry out Lead responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable requirements. Support Machining & Production • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, sketches, specifications, manuals, and sample parts to determine dimensions, tolerances, machining sequences, and setup requirements. • Set up and operate CNC and manual lathes, mills, drill presses, grinders, and other machine shop equipment . • Select, align, and secure fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials. • Calculate and adjust machining parameters, including speeds, feeds, coolant flow, depth of cut, and cutting angles. • Enter, retrieve, and modify machine control information as needed. • Perform trial runs and verify machine settings and programmed control data. • Monitor machining operations and make adjustments to correct malfunctions or out-of-tolerance conditions. • Measure and verify finished components to ensure they meet specifications and quality requirements. • Develop specifications and sketches from general descriptions when needed. • Partner with engineering, production, programming, and other departments to resolve machining and assembly challenges. • Handle part discrepancies, locate missing parts, and resolve part-related production issues. • Use SAP to claim, schedule, and track parts. Maintain a Safe & Efficient Shop • Operate forklifts and hoists safely and in accordance with established requirements. • Use hand tools and air-powered tools safely. • Exercise care and attention when operating or working around machinery and equipment. • Help maintain an organized, productive, and safety-focused work environment. • Perform other duties as assigned. What You’ll Bring Education & Experience • Associate degree, Machinist Certificate, Machinist Associate’s Degree, or similar education from a technical college or trade school OR • One to two years of related Machine Shop experience and/or training OR • An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Technical Skills • Experience operating CNC and manual lathes and mills . • Ability to operate a drill press, forklift, hoist, hand tools, and air-powered tools. • Ability to read and interpret machining drawings, specifications, and instructions. • Working knowledge of machining concepts, dimensions, tolerances, tooling, speeds, and feeds. • Ability to apply practical math concepts, includ