Lead Machinist | St. Johns, MI

Salary Range: $56,000 - $86,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for excelling in lead machinist? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in St. Johns seeking experienced 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 partner with manufacturers across St. Johns seeking Lead Machinists who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor a team of machinists, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Program, set up, and operate advanced CNC machinery and conventional machine tools.
• Lead the fabrication and modification of precision components, ensuring adherence to specifications.
• Conduct quality inspections and troubleshoot machining issues to maintain high standards.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize manufacturing processes and designs.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for all machining equipment.
• Train new machinists on safety protocols, equipment operation, and quality control procedures.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience as a machinist in a manufacturing environment
• Proven ability to program, set up, and operate various CNC machinery (mills, lathes)
• Strong understanding of G-code and M-code programming
• Experience with manual machining techniques and equipment
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience within a machine shop setting
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering blueprints and technical drawings

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for programming CNC machines
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification
• Ability to train and mentor junior machinists
• Familiarity with a variety of materials beyond common metals (e.g., composites, exotic alloys)
• Strong problem-solving skills demonstrated through past projects

Job Titles That Should Apply

Machinist Lead, CNC Machinist Lead, Senior Machinist, Machine Shop Lead, Machinist Supervisor, Lead CNC Machinist, Precision Machinist Lead, Tool and Die Lead, Manufacturing Machinist Lead, Shop Foreman Machinist

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.