Lead Machinist | St. Johns, MI

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

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for excelling in lead machinist? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in St. Johns, seeking experienced Lead Machinists to strengthen their teams.

The Opportunity

We are partnering with organizations in St. Johns that are seeking Lead Machinists. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with Pivot Group, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of machinists, providing guidance and training.
• Set up, operate, and program complex CNC and manual machining equipment.
• Inspect finished parts to ensure quality and adherence to engineering specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve machining process issues and machine malfunctions.
• Optimize machining parameters and processes for efficiency and accuracy.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to develop new parts and improve existing designs.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work area.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in precision machining, including advanced CNC mill and lathe operation and setup.
• Demonstrated proficiency in G-code programming, blueprint interpretation, GD&T, and use of precision measuring tools.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience within a manufacturing environment, including training and mentoring junior machinists.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities for machining processes, tooling, and quality control issues.
• Ability to optimize machining processes for efficiency, quality, and adherence to tight tolerances.

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software for programming complex geometries.
• Experience with advanced materials such as superalloys or composites.
• Demonstrated experience in continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Certification or experience operating and programming Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).
• Ability to design and fabricate custom tooling or fixtures.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.