Lead Machinist | Kalamazoo, MI

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

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for excelling in lead machinist? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Kalamazoo seeking experienced Lead Machinists to drive results.

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 partner with manufacturers across Kalamazoo seeking Lead Machinists who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of machinists.
• Program, set up, and operate CNC machinery, including mills and lathes.
• Interpret complex blueprints, schematics, and engineering drawings to produce precision parts.
• Perform quality control inspections using various metrology tools to ensure parts meet specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve machining issues, including machine malfunctions and tooling problems.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize manufacturing processes and part design.
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment, ensuring adherence to all safety protocols.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience as a machinist in a manufacturing environment, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proficiency in operating and programming CNC mills and lathes, including G-code and M-code.
• Expertise in interpreting complex engineering blueprints, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Strong understanding of various metals, alloys, and cutting tools, and their application in precision machining.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining issues, optimize processes, and ensure quality control.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for programming and simulation
• Certification in a specialized machining technique (e.g., EDM, CNC programming)
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train junior machinists
• Strong problem-solving skills with a history of optimizing machining processes

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lead Machinist, Senior Machinist, CNC Lead Machinist, Machinist Team Lead, Precision Machinist Lead, Machining Supervisor, Shop Lead Machinist, Manufacturing Lead Machinist, Machining Department Lead, Production 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.