Lead Machinist | Kalamazoo, MI

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

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for excelling in lead machinist? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in Kalamazoo seeking experienced Lead Machinists.

The Opportunity

We are partnering with organizations in Kalamazoo that are seeking Lead Machinists. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with Pivot Group, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of machinists, providing technical guidance and support.
• Develop, program, and optimize CNC machine code for complex parts and tooling.
• Perform advanced machine setups, calibrations, and operations on various manufacturing equipment.
• Conduct thorough quality inspections using precision measuring instruments to ensure adherence to specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve machining issues, machine malfunctions, and material inconsistencies.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve manufacturing processes and efficiency.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work environment.

Recommended Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience (5+ years) with CNC and manual machining, including setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in a machine shop environment, including training and mentoring junior machinists.
• Proficiency in CAM software for programming multi-axis machines and advanced G-code editing.
• Strong understanding of blueprint reading, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and metrology tools for quality inspection.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex machining challenges, optimize processes, and improve production efficiency.

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software for programming and simulation.
• Experience training or mentoring junior machinists.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance practices for machining equipment.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lead Machinist, Senior Machinist, Machining Supervisor, CNC Lead Machinist, Machine Shop Lead, Precision Machining Lead, Machinist Foreman

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.