Area Lead CNC Machinist – Aerospace, 3-12 Shift

RTCA; Rockford (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

No-cost employee coverage

HSA contributions

Life insurance

Long-term disability

401(k) match

Paid time off

Company holidays

Shift differential

Bonus programs

Job summary

RTCA in Rockford, MI is seeking an Area Lead CNC Machinist to provide hands-on leadership in an active work cell. You will perform machining, setup, and production activities while guiding a team of operators and machinists to meet aerospace manufacturing schedules.

The role is full-time on-site from 5am to 5:30pm (3-12 hour shifts) with a $3/hr shift differential. You will coordinate workflow, train staff, ensure quality and safety, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Several years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining, setups, blueprints, GD&T, and inspection practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example and effectively support and train others.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance production responsibilities with team coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead a work cell and coordinate daily workflow to meet production schedules.
• Perform CNC machining, setup, and production activities as a working lead.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, training, and support to CNC Operators and Machinists.
• Monitor quality, safety, and procedural compliance; address issues as they arise.
• Assist with troubleshooting production, tooling, and process issues; escalate appropriately.
• Communicate production status, resource needs, and concerns with leadership.
• Support continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

CNC machining

Machining setups

Blueprints

GD&T

Inspection practices

Lead by example

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Team coordination

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

RTCA in Rockford, MI is seeking an Area Lead CNC Machinist to provide hands-on leadership in an active work cell. You will perform machining, setup, and production activities while guiding a team of operators and machinists to meet aerospace manufacturing schedules.

The role is full-time on-site from 5am to 5:30pm (3-12 hour shifts) with a $3/hr shift differential. You will coordinate workflow, train staff, ensure quality and safety, and support continuous improvement initiatives.