Lead CNC Machinist

Placon Corp.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rotating schedule

Competitive pay

Great benefits

Job summary

Placon Corp. is seeking an experienced Lead CNC Machinist who thrives on building high-quality tooling, solving problems on the fly, and mentoring others on the shop floor.

If you’re skilled with CNC equipment, confident reading blueprints, and ready to take a leadership role on the shop floor, this is a great opportunity to make an impact. You’ll operate CNC mills, lathes, and grinders, read blueprints, and lead a rotating 12‑hour shift with a 6% night differential.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Machine Tool or Journeyman Tool & Die Maker with 3+ years of experience.
• Ability to read blueprints and apply shop math.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and a team‑oriented mindset.
• Experience with CNC mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and common hand tools.

Responsibilities

• Build, repair, and modify tools and mechanical components using CNC mills, lathes, grinders, and other shop equipment.
• Troubleshoot tooling and production issues to keep operations running smoothly.
• Inspect tools to ensure quality and reduce development costs.
• Support and train Tool Makers and Assistant Tool Makers.
• Collaborate with the team to improve processes and workflow.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Assist with equipment selection, scheduling, and ordering supplies.

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Lead CNC Machinist who enjoys building high‑quality tooling, solving problems on the fly, and helping others grow. If you’re skilled with CNC equipment, confident reading blueprints, and ready to take a leadership role on the shop floor, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.

Compensation

Starting pay is $33.00 – $37.00 per hour. Team Members working the Night shift will qualify for an additional 6% shift differential.

Work Schedule

Rotational 12-hour shift | 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off

• Night shift: 6 PM – 6 AM (preference given to night candidates)

What You’ll Do

• Build, repair, and modify tools and mechanical components using CNC mills, lathes, grinders, and other shop equipment
• Troubleshoot tooling and production issues to keep operations running smoothly
• Inspect tools to ensure quality and reduce development costs
• Support and train Tool Makers and Assistant Tool Makers
• Collaborate with the team to improve processes and workflow
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
• Assist with equipment selection, scheduling, and ordering supplies

What You Bring

• Diploma in Machine Tool or related field and 5+ years of experience or Journeyman Tool & Die Maker with 3+ years of experience
• Ability to read blueprints and apply shop math
• Strong troubleshooting skills and a team‑oriented mindset
• Experience with CNC mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and common hand tools
• Comfortable working on your feet for long shifts and lifting up to 50 lbs. occasionally

Why You’ll Love It Here

• A hands‑on leadership role where your expertise truly matters
• Opportunities to train others, influence processes, and grow your skills
• A supportive manufacturing environment with modern equipment

Why Placon

• Competitive pay, great benefits, and a rotating schedule that supports work–life balance.
• Growth-minded culture where you’ll build skills and contribute to an innovative operation.

Placon employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable).

Placon requires that employees have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.

Placon is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.

This role requires the ability to work through differing perspectives and resolve conflict in a respectful and professional manner consistent with The Placon Way.