Lead Machinist | Whitehall, MI

Salary Range: $60,000 - $90,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in {{role_field}}? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in Whitehall seeking 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 Whitehall 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

• Oversee and schedule daily machining operations, ensuring efficient workflow.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate junior machinists, fostering skill development.
• Program and operate CNC machines, producing complex parts with high precision.
• Troubleshoot machine malfunctions and perform routine maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Interpret blueprints, CAD models, and engineering specifications to determine optimal machining processes.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and quality control standards within the machine shop.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize part design 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 operating and programming CNC mills and lathes (e.g., Fanuc, Haas controls).
• Strong understanding of G-code and M-code programming.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Expertise in various machining processes, including milling, turning, drilling, and grinding.
• Demonstrated experience in tooling selection, fixture design, and process optimization.

Bonus Qualifications

• Additional certifications or training

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

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.