Lead Machinist | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $62,000 - $92,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for excelling in lead machinist? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in East Lansing seeking skilled Lead Machinists.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with multiple companies in East Lansing seeking experienced Lead Machinists. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily machining operations and workflow.
• Mentor and train junior machinists on best practices and safety.
• Program, set up, and operate advanced CNC machinery.
• Perform quality control inspections on finished parts and assemblies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex machining issues and equipment malfunctions.
• Collaborate with engineering to optimize designs for manufacturability.
• Maintain and organize tooling, equipment, and work areas.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a machinist in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a machine shop.
• Expert-level proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, GD&T, and technical drawings.
• Demonstrated expertise in operating and programming CNC machinery (mills, lathes, etc.).
• Strong understanding of various machining processes, materials, and tooling.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex machining issues.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for programming and simulation
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining CNC machinery
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train junior machinists
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification
• Experience in a job shop environment with diverse material and part requirements

Job Titles That Should Apply

Machinist Lead, CNC Machinist Lead, Shop Foreman, Machine Shop Supervisor, Lead Machinist Technician, Precision Machinist Lead, Senior Machinist, Machinist Team Lead, Manufacturing Machinist Lead

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.