Lead Machinist | Montague, MI

Salary Range: $61,000 - $91,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated 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 and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Montague, seeking experienced Lead Machinists to strengthen their teams.

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 collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Montague region seeking Lead Machinists. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and train junior machinists on equipment operation and safety protocols.
• Program, set up, and operate advanced CNC machinery for precision part fabrication.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex machining issues to optimize production efficiency.
• Perform quality control inspections on finished products to ensure adherence to specifications.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for all machining equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to refine designs and manufacturing processes.
• Manage workflow and prioritize tasks to meet production deadlines and customer demands.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience as a machinist in a manufacturing environment
• Proven ability to program, set up, and operate a variety of CNC machines (mills, lathes)
• Strong understanding of G-code and M-code
• Experience with CAD/CAM software for part design and toolpath generation
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to mentor junior machinists
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and blueprints

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for programming and simulation
• Certification in a specialized machining technique (e.g., CNC programming, advanced metrology)
• Proven ability to mentor junior machinists or apprentices
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing principles

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lead Machinist, CNC Lead Machinist, Shop Lead Machinist, Machinist Team Lead, Senior Machinist, Machine Shop Supervisor, Precision Machinist Lead, Machining Lead Hand, Manufacturing Machinist Lead, Fabrication Lead 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.