Lead CNC Machinist — Precision Defense Manufacturing Leader

Fairbanks Morse Defense; Thomaston (CT); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Holidays

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Ward Leonard LLC, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is seeking a hands-on Lead CNC Machinist to drive precision machining excellence in defense applications. Lead from the shop floor, mentor machinists, and solve complex manufacturing challenges to deliver high-quality components to exacting standards.

The role oversees setup, programming, and operation of multi-axis CNC lathes, VTLs, 5-axis mill-turn centers, and cylindrical grinders, with collaboration across engineering, programming,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or formal machining training preferred.
• 7–10 years of experience operating and setting up multi-axis CNC machines, including VTLs and/or 5-axis mill-turn equipment.
• Proven leadership experience in a shop-floor environment; ability to train, motivate, and direct a team of machinists.
• Advanced knowledge of GD&T, tight-tolerance machining, and inspection methods.
• Proficiency with manual inspection tools (micrometers, bore gauges) and automated measurement systems (touch probes, CMMs).
• Experience with ISO 9001 or defense manufacturing environment preferred.
• U.S. Person status required to comply with defense contract regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor CNC machinists in daily operations, ensuring adherence to setup procedures, machining standards, and safety protocols.
• Set up and operate multi-axis CNC lathes, VTLs, 5-axis mill-turns, and cylindrical grinding machines to manufacture precision components to tight tolerances.
• Oversee and verify CNC program optimization for performance, tool life, and part quality; assist with complex setups and troubleshooting.
• Train and develop team members on tooling, workholding, offsets, G-code editing, grinding wheel setup and balancing, and inspection methods.
• Review and interpret blueprints, GD&T specifications, and work instructions to confirm compliance with customer and quality requirements.
• Coordinate in-process and final inspections using manual and automated metrology tools to verify dimensional accuracy.
• Monitor and adjust machining operations to ensure part conformance and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with engineering, programming, and quality teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Plan and prioritize work assignments to meet production schedules and maximize spindle utilization across machines.
• Maintain documentation for setups, tooling usage, maintenance, and production output.
• Ensure proper preventive maintenance on equipment and tooling, and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Champion a culture of safety, organization, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership experience

GD&T knowledge

Machining experience

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Technical machining training

Tools

FANUC CNC controllers

Siemens CNC controllers

OSP (Okuma) controls

Job description

Ward Leonard LLC, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is seeking a hands-on Lead CNC Machinist to drive precision machining excellence in defense applications. Lead from the shop floor, mentor machinists, and solve complex manufacturing challenges to deliver high-quality components to exacting standards.

The role oversees setup, programming, and operation of multi-axis CNC lathes, VTLs, 5-axis mill-turn centers, and cylindrical grinders, with collaboration across engineering, programming,