Lead Machinist | Byron Center, MI

Salary Range: $57,000 - $87,000 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 Byron Center, 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 are collaborating with multiple companies in Byron Center seeking experienced Lead Machinists. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Train and mentor junior machinists on equipment operation and safety protocols.
• Oversee daily machining operations, ensuring adherence to production schedules and quality standards.
• Program and operate CNC machinery, including lathes, mills, and grinders.
• Perform complex setups and tooling changes for various machining processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to machinery, tooling, and materials.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and minor repairs on machining equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Inspect finished parts for accuracy and quality, utilizing precision measuring instruments.

Recommended Qualifications

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience as a machinist, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Expert proficiency in operating, setting up, and troubleshooting a variety of CNC machines (lathes, mills, grinders) and conventional machining equipment.
• Strong understanding of G-code programming, M-codes, and manual programming, with the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor junior machinists, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a proven track record of optimizing machining processes, reducing scrap, and improving efficiency.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments and performing quality control checks.

Bonus Qualifications

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

Job Titles That Should Apply

Senior Machinist, Machinist Lead, CNC Machinist Lead, Manufacturing Machinist Lead, Shop Lead Machinist, Machine Shop Supervisor, Precision Machinist Lead, Machining Team Lead, Lead CNC Programmer Machinist, Tool and Die 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.