Lead Machinist / Cell Leader
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Job summary
Kanoo Unimech leads a machining cell in our Kingdom of Saudi Arabia facility, directing daily operations, resource allocation, and quality-focused production to meet demanding targets.
The role requires 8–15 years in Oil & Gas or related sectors, with strong CNC and conventional machining experience, GD&T know-how, and a drive for Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement. Willingness to relocate to Saudi Arabia and lead multicultural teams is essential.
Qualifications
- ITI / Diploma in Machinist, Turner, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent.
- Additional certifications in CNC Programming, Lean Manufacturing, or Production Management will be an added advantage.
- 8-15 years of machining experience in Oil & Gas, Precision Manufacturing, Aerospace, Heavy Engineering, or Energy industries.
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a Lead Machinist, Cell Leader, Senior Machinist, or Shop Floor Leadership role.
Responsibilities
- Lead daily operations within the assigned machining cell.
- Allocate jobs and resources based on production priorities.
- Monitor machine loading and workflow to maximize productivity.
- Ensure smooth execution of machining activities while maintaining delivery commitments.
- Coordinate with Planning, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve production issues.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Department: Production / Manufacturing
Reporting To: Production Supervisor / Operations Head
Kanoo Unimech is a joint venture specializing in the manufacturing, remanufacturing, repair, and servicing of critical components for the Oil & Gas industry. The facility utilizes advanced CNC machining technologies, Horizontal Boring Machines, Deep Hole Drilling Machines, Gun Drilling Machines, Laser Cladding, HVOF Coating, and precision inspection systems to deliver world-class manufacturing solutions. The company is committed to operational excellence, safety, quality, and continuous improvement while supporting the growing demands of the global energy sector.
The Lead Machinist / Cell Leader is responsible for leading a machining cell and ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of manufacturing and remanufacturing activities. The role combines hands-on machining expertise with frontline leadership responsibilities, including manpower allocation, production planning, technical guidance, quality compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The position plays a critical role in achieving production targets, maintaining quality standards, optimizing machine utilization, and supporting the development of machining personnel within the assigned cell.
- Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily operations within the assigned machining cell.
- Allocate jobs and resources based on production priorities.
- Monitor machine loading and workflow to maximize productivity.
- Ensure smooth execution of machining activities while maintaining delivery commitments.
- Coordinate with Planning, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve production issues.
- Support setup and operation of CNC Turning Centers, Vertical Machining Canters (VMC), Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC), and Horizontal Boring Machines.
- Provide technical guidance on machining methods, cutting parameters, tooling selection, and setup optimization.
- Support machining of critical Oil & Gas components and remanufactured products.
- Verify first-piece approvals and critical dimensions before batch production.
- Assist operators and machinists in troubleshooting machining issues.
- Ensure daily production targets are achieved.
- Monitor machine utilization and productivity performance.
- Minimize downtime, setup losses, and production delays.
- Ensure proper job tracking and production reporting.
- Support urgent customer requirements and priority jobs.
- Ensure compliance with engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, process specifications, and customer requirements.
- Monitor dimensional accuracy and surface finish requirements.
- Support root cause analysis for quality issues and non-conformities.
- Work closely with Quality teams to improve First Pass Yield (FPY).
- Promote a zero-defect manufacturing culture.
- Lead, train, mentor, and support machinists and machine operators.
- Ensure proper deployment of manpower across shifts.
- Monitor operator performance and identify training needs.
- Foster teamwork, discipline, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Support employee skill development and cross-functional training programs.
- Drive Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and productivity improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for cycle time reduction.
- Improve tooling utilization and process efficiency.
- Support Kaizen and operational excellence projects.
- Participate in problem-solving and process improvement activities.
- Ensure compliance with company HSE requirements.
- Promote safe machine operation practices.
- Conduct daily workplace safety checks.
- Ensure proper use of PPE and adherence to safety procedures.
- Maintain housekeeping standards within the machining cell.
- ITI / Diploma in Machinist, Turner, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent.
- Additional certifications in CNC Programming, Lean Manufacturing, or Production Management will be an added advantage.
- 8-15 years of machining experience in Oil & Gas, Precision Manufacturing, Aerospace, Heavy Engineering, or Energy industries.
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a Lead Machinist, Cell Leader, Senior Machinist, or Shop Floor Leadership role.
- Experience in manufacturing and remanufacturing critical components.
- Strong exposure to CNC and conventional machining operations.
- Technical Competencies
- CNC Turning
- CNC Milling
- Horizontal Boring
- Deep Hole Drilling
- Gun Drilling
- Conventional Machining
- GD&T Interpretation
- Engineering Drawings
- Tool Selection & Optimization
- Cutting Parameters
- Material Machining Practices
- Fixture Setup & Alignment
- Process Planning
- Carbon Steel
- Alloy Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Duplex Stainless Steel
- Super Duplex Stainless Steel
- Inconel
- Titanium
- ERP Systems
- Production Reporting Systems
- Basic CNC Programming Knowledge
- Lean Manufacturing Tools
- Root Cause Analysis Techniques
- Leadership & Team Management
- Technical Problem Solving
- Decision Making
- Communication Skills
- Planning & Organizing
- Accountability & Ownership
- Quality Mindset
- Customer Focus
- Continuous Improvement Orientation
- Production Target Achievement
- On-Time Delivery (OTD)
- Machine Utilization
- First Pass Yield (FPY)
- Setup Time Reduction
- Productivity Improvement
- Rework & Rejection Reduction
- Tool Consumption Optimization
- Safety Compliance
- Housekeeping & 5S Audit Scores
- Team Skill Development
Candidates with experience in one or more of the following industries will be preferred:
- Oil & Gas
- Aerospace
- Energy
- Power Generation
- Defense
- Heavy Engineering
- Precision Manufacturing
- Willingness to relocate to Saudi Arabia.
- Ability to support shift operations whenever required.
- Experience in remanufacturing and repair of critical Oil & Gas components is highly preferred.
- Exposure to API, ISO, and customer-specific manufacturing requirements will be an advantage.
- Ability to lead multicultural teams in a high-performance manufacturing environment.
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