Lead CNC Machinist

PTI Tech; Clifton (NJ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PTI Tech in New Jersey is seeking an expert CNC professional to lead machining operations for precision metal and plastic components. You will own programming, setup optimization, and tooling strategies to deliver repeatable results.

The role requires Mastercam mastery, strong GD&T, SPC, and process improvement, plus the ability to train operators and coordinate cross-functional support across shifts. This position emphasizes safety, quality, and efficiency, with documented processes and

Qualifications

• 10+ years hands-on CNC machining, programming, setup, troubleshooting, and process development.
• Experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC mills and CNC lathes.
• Machining carbon steel, stainless steel, engineering plastics, and alloys (Inconel, Invar).
• Expert Mastercam proficiency; strong knowledge of CNC machining, tooling, G-code, and speeds/feeds.
• Experience with GD&T, SPC, and process capability; technical documentation ability.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical owner for CNC operations, supporting precision machining of components.
• Ensure production readiness with validated programs, tooling, fixtures, and inspections.
• Develop, validate, and maintain CNC programs; lead setup development and production trials.
• Optimize toolpaths, cutting parameters, cycle times, tooling, and machining strategies.
• Design tooling and fixturing; maintain setup sheets and program revisions.
• Develop stable machining processes meeting blueprint and quality requirements.
• Monitor SPC, process capability, scrap, and tooling performance for improvements.
• Train operators on processes, tooling, inspection, and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate maintenance and support DFMs, new product introductions, and automation.

Skills

CNC machining

Programming

Setup optimization

Machining strategies

Precision manufacturing

Mastercam

G-code

Toolpath optimization

Feeds & speeds

Cycle time reduction

Tooling & fixturing design

GD&T

SPC

First article inspections

Quality systems

Technical training

Documentation

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical training or apprenticeship

Engineering education preferred

Tools

Mastercam

Job description

• Expert in CNC machining, programming, setup optimization, machining strategies, and precision manufacturing.
• Advanced Mastercam proficiency with expertise in G-code, toolpath optimization, feeds & speeds, and cycle time reduction.
• Skilled in tooling, fixturing, and workholding design to improve repeatability and efficiency.
• Strong manufacturing problem solver using root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Deep understanding of GD&T, SPC, process capability (Cp/Cpk), first article inspections, and quality systems.
• Experienced technical trainer capable of developing CNC operators and setup personnel.
• Organized and process-driven with strong documentation and program control practices.
• Passionate about improving quality, productivity, safety, and manufacturing performance.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Operations

• Serve as the technical owner for CNC machining operations supporting MIM secondary operations and precision machining of metal and plastic components.
• Ensure production readiness through validated programs, tooling, fixtures, setups, offsets, inspection requirements, and machine readiness.
• Coordinate with Production, Planning, Quality, Maintenance, and Manufacturing Systems to support production across all shifts.
• Provide technical support for complex setups, troubleshooting, and production-critical issues.

Programming & Process Development

• Develop, optimize, validate, and maintain CNC programs using Mastercam.
• Lead setup development, prove-outs, first-piece inspections, and production trials.
• Optimize toolpaths, cutting parameters, cycle times, tooling, and machining strategies.
• Design and improve tooling, fixtures, and workholding while maintaining setup sheets, tooling documentation, and program revisions.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Develop stable, repeatable machining processes that meet blueprint, GD&T, tolerance, and quality requirements.
• Monitor SPC, process capability, scrap, rework, cycle times, and tooling performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Support first articles, process validations, PFMEAs, control plans, and customer quality investigations.

Training & Equipment Support

• Train operators and setup personnel on machining processes, tooling, inspection, and troubleshooting.
• Develop work instructions, SOPs, setup documentation, and technical standards.
• Coordinate routine machine maintenance and partner with Maintenance on larger repairs.
• Support DFM reviews, new product introductions, process validation, fixture development, automation, and manufacturing improvements.

Key Performance Indicators

• 95%+ of scheduled CNC jobs technically ready by planned start.
• 95%+ achievement of standard production rates.
• CNC process capability target: Cpk ≥ 1.33.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on CNC machining, programming, setup, troubleshooting, and process development experience.
• Experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC mills and CNC lathes.
• Experience machining carbon steel, stainless steel, engineering plastics, and exotic alloys including Inconel and Invar.
• Expert-level Mastercam proficiency and advanced knowledge of CNC machining, tooling, G-code, feeds & speeds, and process optimization.
• Strong experience with tooling, fixturing, workholding, GD&T, SPC, and process capability.
• Ability to create technical documentation and train manufacturing personnel.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training, apprenticeship, or engineering education preferred.
• Ability to provide occasional off-shift support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with MIM secondary machining, complete-part machining, toolmaking, moldmaking, or fixture building.
• Background in aerospace, defense, medical, or other regulated manufacturing industries.
• Experience with NPD, DFM, automation, ERP systems, Lean Manufacturing, SMED, probing, and tool presetting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift up to 40 lbs.
• Manual dexterity for tools and components.
• Ability to read blueprints and inspect precision parts.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with heat, noise, and moving equipment.