Lead Machinist | Manistee, MI

Salary Range: $59,000 - $89,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for excelling in lead machinist? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Manistee 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 are working with companies in Manistee that are adding Lead Machinists to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor a team of machinists, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Program, set up, and operate advanced CNC machinery to produce precision components.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of all machining equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
• Develop and implement efficient machining processes and procedures to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Interpret complex engineering blueprints, CAD models, and specifications to determine machining requirements.
• Conduct quality inspections of finished parts, ensuring adherence to tight tolerances and quality standards.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize designs for manufacturability.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in precision machining, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Proficient in setting up, operating, and troubleshooting various CNC machines (mills, lathes) and manual machines.
• Strong understanding of G-code programming, M-code, and ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Expertise in selecting appropriate tooling, workholding, and cutting parameters for diverse materials (metals, plastics).
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and train junior machinists and maintain a high standard of quality control.

Bonus Qualifications

• Additional certifications or training

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lead Machinist, Senior Machinist, Machine Shop Lead, CNC Machinist Lead, Machining Supervisor, Precision Machinist Lead, Machinist Foreman, Shop Lead Machinist, Manufacturing Machinist Lead, Technical 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.