Lead CNC Machinist / Senior CNC Programmer & Shop Lead

Plastic Machining Inc.; Orange (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A precision machining company in Texas is seeking a Lead CNC Machinist/Programmer to spearhead their CNC department. The role requires 10-15 years of hands-on experience in CNC machining, focusing on programming and operating CNC lathes and mills. As a technical leader, you will manage workflow, mentor junior machinists, and ensure timely delivery of precision parts. Candidates should have strong communication skills, familiarity with ISO 9001, and an ability to interpret technical drawings. Full-time position with competitive salary.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of hands-on experience in CNC machining.
• Experience with programming, setting up, and running CNC lathes and mills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain CNC programs and detailed work instructions.
• Plan and schedule CNC workloads to meet customer due dates.
• Set up and operate CNC lathes and mills with minimal supervision.

Skills

CNC programming

CNC setup and operation

Technical drawing interpretation

Quality control management

Communication skills

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

CMM

Job description

Plastic Machining Inc. is seeking an experienced Lead CNC Machinist/Programmer with 10‑15 years of hands‑on CNC machining experience to lead our CNC department. This role is responsible for all aspects of CNC production, including quoting, scheduling, programming, setup, and operation of CNC lathes and mills. The ideal candidate will be a technical leader who can manage workflow, mentor junior machinists, and ensure high‑quality, on‑time delivery of precision parts in a fast‑paced job shop environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain CNC programs, setup sheets, and detailed work instructions.
• Plan and schedule CNC workloads across lathes and mills to meet customer due dates and shop capacity.
• Set up and operate CNC lathes and mills, including complex multi‑operation parts, with minimal supervision.
• Perform first‑piece and in‑process inspections using precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, CMM, etc.) and verify conformance to GD&T.
• Troubleshoot machining issues (tool wear, chatter, dimensional drift, surface finish) and adjust programs, tooling, or parameters to maintain quality.
• Ensure all parts meet customer specifications, internal quality standards, and are delivered on time.

What We’re Looking For

• 10–15 years of hands‑on experience in a CNC machining environment (job shop or contract manufacturing preferred).
• Proven experience programming, setting up, and running CNC lathes (including live tooling / mill‑turn) and CNC mills (3‑axis and multi‑axis).
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T.
• Experience with plastics machining quality preferred.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with standard metrology hand tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, etc.).
• Experience leading quality teams or managing QC processes.
• Experience creating and maintaining SOPs, quality procedures, and audit readiness.
• Familiarity with corrective action systems, root‑cause analysis, and CAPA.
• Experience interacting with customers on quality‑related matters.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Machinery Manufacturing