Lead Machinist | Grand Haven, 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 Grand Haven, 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 manufacturing firms in Grand Haven that are seeking skilled Lead Machinists. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor a team of machinists, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Plan, schedule, and assign machining tasks to meet production deadlines and quality standards.
• Operate and program complex CNC machinery for precision component fabrication.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and maintenance on machining equipment to minimize downtime.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety in the machine shop.
• Conduct quality inspections of finished parts to ensure adherence to specifications and blueprints.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize part design for manufacturability.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a machinist in a manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in setting up and operating a variety of manual and CNC machining equipment
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex engineering blueprints, GD&T, and technical specifications
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, tooling, and precision measurement techniques
• Proven leadership skills with experience in guiding and mentoring junior machinists
• Commitment to safety protocols and quality control standards

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for programming and simulation
• Certification in a specialized machining area (e.g., CNC programming, advanced milling)
• Proven ability to mentor junior machinists or apprentices
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Bilingual proficiency, especially in a language common among the manufacturing workforce

Job Titles That Should Apply

Machinist Lead, CNC Machinist Lead, Senior Machinist, Machinist Supervisor, Shop Lead Machinist, Precision Machinist Lead, Machining Team Lead, Lead CNC Programmer, 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.