CNC Vertical - Second Shift Lead

South-Bay-Solutions; Mattos (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

South Bay Solutions is a high-precision machine shop serving semiconductor, medical device, and advanced tech customers. The Second Shift Lead will oversee all second-shift production activities, provide hands-on CNC support, and ensure on-time delivery while upholding quality and safety standards.

You will mentor CNC machinists, coordinate with QA and support staff, and act as backup to the Production Supervisor when needed.

Qualifications

• Hands-on manufacturing experience in CNC environments is required or highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, manage, and coordinate all second-shift production activities to meet daily production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements.
• Provide hands-on CNC machine setup support, tooling changes, offset adjustments, and first-article inspections.
• Assign jobs per production plan, set priorities, and monitor workflow for on-time delivery.
• Monitor progress, identify delays or bottlenecks, and escalate as needed.
• Maintain effective shift handoffs between second, first, and third shifts, when applicable.
• Serve as Acting Supervisor in absence of Production Supervisor and address escalated issues.
• Support production staff in resolving technical and operational issues while upholding productivity and quality.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Prioritization

Teamwork

Independence

Reading blueprints

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Vocational training in machining/manufacturing

Job description

About Us

South Bay Solutions is a high-precision machine shop, making parts for semiconductor, medical devices, and advanced tech hardware. Our tolerances are measured in microns, our equipment is top-of-the-line, and our team is passionate about quality craftsmanship.

Summary

The Second Shift Lead is responsible for overseeing daily operations during the second shift in a high-precision, high-mix CNC machining environment serving demanding industries, including semiconductor and medical device manufacturing. This position plays a key role in ensuring that production schedules are achieved while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

The Second Shift Lead serves as the primary on-shift point of contact for CNC machinists, quality personnel, and support staff, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and workflow throughout the shift. The Lead is also responsible for maintaining clear and accurate communication between shifts and management.

In addition, the Second Shift Lead serves as the primary backup to the Production Supervisor. When the Production Supervisor is unavailable, the Second Shift Lead assumes responsibility for shift operations, including operational decision-making, staffing coordination, troubleshooting, and escalation of issues as necessary.

Work Schedule

• Second Shift

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production Oversight & Hands-On Support

• Oversee, manage, and coordinate all second-shift production activities to meet daily production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements.
• Provide hands-on technical support by performing or assisting with CNC machine setups, tooling changes, offset adjustments, and first-article inspections.
• Assign jobs according to the established production plan, set priorities, and monitor workflow to support efficient production and on-time delivery.
• Monitor production progress and identify potential delays, bottlenecks, equipment issues, or other obstacles that may impact the schedule.
• Ensure proper communication and shift handoff between second shift and first and third shifts, when applicable.
• Serve as the Acting Supervisor when the Production Supervisor is unavailable, assuming responsibility for operational and staffing decisions and addressing escalated issues as needed.
• Support production personnel in resolving technical and operational issues while maintaining productivity and quality expectations.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and support a team of CNC machinists and machine operators.
• Provide direction and guidance to employees throughout the shift.
• Foster a positive, accountable, collaborative, and safety-conscious work culture.
• Provide real-time troubleshooting, technical assistance, and hands-on support to team members as needed.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and adherence to company procedures.
• Support employee development by sharing technical knowledge, best practices, and effective manufacturing methods.

Quality & Process Control

• Ensure all production activities comply with established quality standards, inspection procedures, customer specifications, and ISO/AS9100 requirements.
• Work closely with the Quality Assurance Department to identify, contain, and resolve quality issues and nonconformances in a timely manner.
• Ensure parts and processes meet required specifications and customer expectations.
• Assist with first-article inspections and other required quality verification activities.
• Promote continuous improvement, waste reduction, and Lean manufacturing practices throughout the production process.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, workflow, and overall operational efficiency.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Ensure employees follow required safety protocols and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment.
• Conduct shift-start safety meetings and ensure required safety documentation is completed and maintained.
• Identify and address potential safety hazards promptly and elevate serious concerns to management.
• Ensure safe operating practices around CNC machines, moving equipment, tooling, chemicals, oils, and cutting fluids.

Communication & Reporting

• Serve as the primary communication point for production-related issues during the second shift.
• Maintain effective communication with machinists, operators, Quality Assurance, support personnel, and management.
• Provide clear and complete shift handoffs to ensure continuity of production.
• Document shift activities, production issues, quality concerns, equipment problems, staffing matters, and relevant metrics in daily reports.
• Escalate equipment, material, quality, personnel, safety, or production issues to management in a timely manner.
• Communicate significant issues and decisions to the Production Supervisor and other appropriate management personnel.

Qualifications and Skills

The ideal candidate will have hands-on manufacturing experience combined with strong technical, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Vocational training or technical education in machining, manufacturing, metal finishing, or a related field is a plus.
• 1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing, machine shop, precision machining, or precision finishing environment preferred.
• Previous experience in a CNC machining environment is strongly preferred.
• Strong manual dexterity and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work accurately and consistently in a high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with the setup and operation of detailing hand tools and similar precision tools.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and customer specifications.
• Familiarity with cosmetic grading standards and surface-finishing best practices.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize work and make sound operational decisions in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively with machinists, operators, Quality Assurance, management, and other support personnel.
• Ability to work independently and take appropriate action when the Production Supervisor is unavailable.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods while performing detailed manufacturing and inspection tasks.
• Ability to perform repetitive and precision-related tasks requiring manual dexterity.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Must have the ability to perform work requiring:
  • Close vision
  • Depth perception
  • Ability to adjust focus
• Ability to safely work around CNC machinery, moving equipment, tools, oils, cutting fluids, and other manufacturing materials.

Working Environment

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with potential exposure to fine particulates, noise, and chemicals.
• Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be used as required.
• Work environment includes potential physical hazards associated with moving equipment, CNC machinery, machine components, and tooling.
• Employees may experience skin exposure to oils and cutting fluids and must follow appropriate safety and protective procedures.
• Eye protection is required while working in designated manufacturing areas.
• Mask/face protection is required as specified by company safety procedures and work-area requirements.
• Employees are expected to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and comply with all applicable company safety policies and procedures.

Benefits:

• Paid training and mentorship from experienced CNC machinists.
• A clear path to CNC setup and programming roles.
• Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision) paid 100% for employees
• Life insurance policy
• Safe Harbor 401(K) plan
• 401(K) match
• Paid time off (vacation/sick/holidays/floating holiday)