Aerospace CNC Shop Lead — Lead & Optimize Production

Firefly Aerospace; Bertram (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is seeking an experienced Lead Machinist to drive daily CNC machining operations in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment. You will guide machinists, ensure proper setup and tooling, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to continuous improvement while aligning with production schedules.

The role requires deep CNC expertise, GD&T proficiency, and strong leadership to maintain quality and on-time delivery in a high-energy team setting at our Austin-area facility.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in a CNC machine shop environment.
• Previous experience in a lead machinist or manufacturing leadership role preferred.
• Advanced understanding of CNC milling, turning, and multi-axis operations.
• Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot CNC programs and G-code.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and precision inspection requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support daily machine shop operations in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Coordinate production activities to align with the production schedule and priorities.
• Provide floor-level leadership, technical guidance, and support to machinists across cells.
• Monitor production progress, machine utilization, and efficiency to keep jobs on schedule.
• Identify production constraints and communicate issues affecting delivery.
• Ensure proper setup, tooling, and work orders; verify programs and fixtures.
• Assist with troubleshooting machining processes and equipment-related problems.
• Drive continuous improvement focused on setup reduction, cycle time, quality, and productivity.
• Promote accountability for workmanship and adherence to processes.
• Participate in RCCA investigations and implement corrective actions.

Skills

CNC machining

Leadership

GD&T

Problem solving

Tools

Mazak

Okuma

Fanuc

Job description

Firefly Aerospace is seeking an experienced Lead Machinist to drive daily CNC machining operations in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment. You will guide machinists, ensure proper setup and tooling, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to continuous improvement while aligning with production schedules.

The role requires deep CNC expertise, GD&T proficiency, and strong leadership to maintain quality and on-time delivery in a high-energy team setting at our Austin-area facility.