CNC Machinist - Technical Lead

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing is seeking a CNC Machinist - Technical Lead to guide 2nd shift operations, perform setups, troubleshooting, and mentor junior machinists in tight-tolerance aerospace parts.

You will drive process improvements, ensure quality and on-time delivery, and collaborate across shifts to uphold 5S and safety standards. This role offers a path toward supervisory responsibilities and advanced manufacturing leadership.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with CNC machining experience; precision, tight-tolerance work preferred.
• Experience setting up and machining complex, tight-tolerance components on multi-axis CNC milling/turning.
• Strong understanding of CNC processes, tooling, tolerances, GD&T.
• Experience mentoring and training CNC personnel; hands-on support.
• Experience with precision measurement equipment and ERP/MRP systems; MS Office.
• AS9100/Lean Six Sigma knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead 2nd shift CNC Machinists with setup, operation, troubleshooting, and mentoring.
• Coordinate daily production, set priorities, and monitor workflow to meet delivery goals.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and guidance to 2nd shift machinists and operators.
• Support tooling optimization, process controls, and quality inspection methods.
• Act as shift communication hub and drive 5S, safety, and continuous improvement.

Skills

CNC Machining

Multi-axis Machining

Leadership

GD&T

Blueprint Reading

Mentorship

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree in Manufacturing Technology

Tools

ERP/MRP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ready to join an award-winning company and help us build a high performing team? Then, let’s talk!

Position Overview:

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing is seeking a highly skilled CNC machining professional to serve as a CNC Machinist - Technical Lead supporting our precision aerospace manufacturing operations. While this opportunity is currently aligned with 2nd shift operations, we are actively exploring CNC talent across all shifts. This lead role combines advanced CNC machining expertise with employee development, technical mentorship, and shop floor leadership in a precision manufacturing environment. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in precision machining, CNC setup, troubleshooting, and complex multi-axis machining operations.

As the Technical Lead, this individual will actively perform CNC setup, operation, troubleshooting, tooling optimization, and process improvement activities while providing technical guidance and support to CNC Machinists and Operators. The CNC Machinist - Technical Lead will help establish and maintain standards for machining excellence, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement across CNC milling and turning operations. This position offers a developmental pathway toward formal supervisory responsibilities for candidates interested in advancing their leadership careers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead CNC Machinist for 2nd shift, providing hands‑on setup, operation, troubleshooting, tooling optimization, and technical support for complex multi‑axis machining activities while setting the standard for quality, productivity, and machining excellence.
• Coordinate daily production activities, establish priorities, and monitor workflow to ensure customer delivery requirements, production schedules, quality standards, and operational objectives are achieved.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to 2nd shift CNC Machinists and Operators by sharing machining expertise, supporting skill development, reinforcing best practices, and helping drive a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Support precision machining operations through hands‑on CNC setup, troubleshooting, employee training, process improvement initiatives, and the application of best practices related to machining techniques, tooling optimization, process controls, and inspection methods.
• Act as the communication hub for the shift, facilitating effective collaboration and production handoffs between shifts while supporting quality objectives through inspection practices, nonconformance resolution, and adherence to the Quality Management System.
• Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining high standards of 5S, FOD prevention, equipment care, workplace organization, and overall shop floor safety.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities:

• Advanced CNC machining knowledge, including setup, operation, troubleshooting, tooling, workholding, and process optimization, with strong proficiency in milling and turning operations; experience with multi‑axis machining, including 3+2 and/or simultaneous 5‑axis machining, strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to serve as a technical leader for CNC Machinists and Operators by providing machining expertise, troubleshooting support, mentorship, and best‑practice guidance while fostering a culture of quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of blueprint reading, GD&T, inspection methods, precision measuring equipment, and quality requirements within a tight‑tolerance, precision manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and decision‑making skills with the ability to assess situations, prioritize work, troubleshoot machining processes, and resolve production challenges.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to utilize production metrics and KPIs to drive operational performance and customer delivery objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent with + years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment; precision, tight‑tolerance machining experience strongly preferred.
• Experience setting up and machining complex, tight‑tolerance components on multi‑axis CNC milling, turning, and/or mill‑turn platforms.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tooling, workholding, feeds and speeds, blueprint reading, tolerances, and GD&T requirements.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical guidance, mentorship, training, and hands‑on support to CNC Machinists, Operators, or other manufacturing personnel.
• Experience utilizing precision measurement and inspection equipment to verify product conformance in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Machining, or a related technical discipline; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Prior experience serving as a Lead Machinist, Cell Lead, Technical Lead, Mentor, or other manufacturing technical leadership role.
• Experience in an AS9100 aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience setting up and machining complex parts on multi‑axis CNC equipment, including 3+2 and/or simultaneous 5‑axis milling platforms and multi‑axis turning centers.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Root Cause Analysis, and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Advanced knowledge of GD&T and ASME Y14.5 standards; related training or certification is a plus.

Standard Hours

• 1st Shift: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• 2nd Shift: Monday – Friday: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
• 3rd Shift: Monday – Friday: 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM

About Northeast Tool & Manufacturing:

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing is a preferred supplier of precision machined parts and complex assemblies for the Aerospace, Defense, & Space industries. Our strong reputation for exceptional quality standards, innovative processes, and cutting‑edge solutions allows us to handle the most complex requests with ease.

Northeast Tool is a certified ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D facility, as well as ITAR DDC compliant. The company specializes in a diverse range of capabilities, including 5‑Axis Milling, Multi‑Axis Turning, & Wire EDM.