CNC Setup Machinist Lead

Lake Engineering, Inc.; Long Lake (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake Engineering, Inc. in Long Lake, MN, is seeking a CNC Setup Machinist Lead to guide setup operations for multi-axis mills and lathes in a high-precision aerospace environment.

You will mentor machinists, review drawings, implement tooling and process improvements, and ensure parts meet exact specifications while maintaining a safe, efficient shop floor aligned with ISO/AS9100 standards. This full-time, on-site role offers opportunities to advance continuous improvement initiatives and

Qualifications

• CNC setup and machining of multi-axis mills and lathes.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation.
• Experience with CNC programming or editing (G-code, CAM) to support production.
• Experience with precision inspection using calipers, micrometers, gauges.
• Leadership and mentoring of machinists on the shop floor.
• Commitment to safety and 5S/lean practices.
• Prior aerospace or high-precision manufacturing exposure is beneficial.
• Technical education or apprenticeship in machining.

Responsibilities

• Lead CNC setup operations and prepare machines and tooling.
• Review work orders and drawings to ensure correct setups.
• Mentor machinists and promote best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve machining issues with engineering and quality.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and maintain 5S standards.

Skills

CNC machining

GD&T

Blueprint reading

Programming basics

Lean / 5S

Team leadership

Tooling selection

First article inspection

Education

Machining apprenticeship

Technical diploma in machining

Tools

G-code editing

CAM programming

CMM usage

Job description

Company Description

Lake Engineering, Inc. is a precision machining and assembly company specializing in high-value parts and materials for the aerospace and avionics industry. Recognized with numerous national and international awards, the company is an elite and trusted supplier to leading aerospace organizations, including NASA and major commercial airliners. With more than 60 years of hands-on, family, veteran-owned management, Lake Engineering maintains ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications. The organization promotes an empowered, employee-focused culture, emphasizing strengths-based development, coaching, and continuous training. Lake Engineering was honored as Minnesota Business Magazine’s 2017 Small Manufacturer of the Year – Best in Class, reflecting its commitment to integrity, teamwork, and innovation.

Role Description

The CNC Setup Machinist Lead is a full-time, on-site role based in Long Lake, MN. This role is responsible for leading CNC setup operations, including preparing machines, selecting tooling, setting up fixtures, and loading programs for complex aerospace components. The CNC Setup Machinist Lead will guide and mentor machinists on best practices, troubleshoot machining issues, and ensure parts are produced to exact specifications and quality standards. Daily responsibilities include reviewing work orders and drawings, optimizing machining processes for efficiency, performing first-article inspections, and collaborating with quality and engineering teams to resolve technical challenges. The role also involves maintaining a safe, organized work area and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the shop.

Qualifications

• CNC machining expertise, including proven experience setting up multi-axis CNC mills and lathes, selecting tooling, and optimizing feeds and speeds.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T skills, with the ability to interpret aerospace drawings, specifications, and work instructions accurately.
• Experience with CNC programming or program editing (e.g., G-code, CAM systems) sufficient to make minor adjustments and support efficient production.
• Quality-focused skills, including use of precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, gauges), first-article inspection, and adherence to ISO/AS9100 standards.
• Leadership and team coordination capabilities, including training and mentoring machinists, assigning work, and supporting a collaborative and respectful work environment.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities to identify root causes of machining issues and implement practical process improvements.
• Commitment to safety and 5S/lean practices, maintaining an organized workstation and following all facility safety procedures and guidelines.
• Effective communication skills and basic computer proficiency for documenting work, updating job travelers, and interacting with cross-functional teams.
• Prior experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing environments is highly beneficial.
• Relevant technical education or apprenticeship in machining, manufacturing