Lead Machinist – Kentwood Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Kentwood (MI); On-site; USD 61,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Kentwood, MI seeks a Lead Machinist to lead and train machinists, set up CNC and manual machines, and ensure tight tolerances on parts. The role emphasizes leadership, precision, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.

Qualified candidates will have 5+ years of hands-on machining experience, strong blueprint reading and GD&T knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Salary ranges from $61,000 to $91,000 per year depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of hands-on machining experience.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T knowledge.
• Ability to lead a small team and train others.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience setting up and running CNC mills and lathes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train machinists on setup, tooling, and safe work practices.
• Inspect finished parts with calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Troubleshoot machine issues and adjust programs to correct defects.
• Plan job sequences and coordinate work across the shop floor.
• Maintain tooling inventory and keep machines clean and calibrated.
• Document production counts and quality checks for each shift.
• Set up and operate CNC and manual machines for daily production runs.
• Read blueprints and work from drawings to meet tight tolerances.

Skills

Team leadership

Math skills

Machining experience

Blueprint reading

GD&T knowledge

CNC setup

CNC milling

CNC turning

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CNC mills

CNC lathes

Job description

Job Description:

Lead Machinist | Kentwood, MI

Salary Range: $61,000 – $91,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in lead machinist? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in the Kentwood area seeking Lead Machinists.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan’s manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Lead Machinist opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Kentwood in Kent County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Lowell and Ada.

The Opportunity

We partner with organizations in the Kentwood area that seek Lead Machinists. These companies are committed to building strong teams and look for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Usual Responsibilities

• Lead and train machinists on setup, tooling, and safe work practices.
• Inspect finished parts with calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Troubleshoot machine issues and adjust programs to correct defects.
• Plan job sequences and coordinate work across the shop floor.
• Maintain tooling inventory and keep machines clean and calibrated.
• Document production counts and quality checks for each shift.
• Set up and operate CNC and manual machines for daily production runs.
• Read blueprints and work from drawings to meet tight tolerances.

Recommended Qualifications

• Ability to lead a small team and train others.
• Solid math skills and attention to detail.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five or more years of hands-on machining experience.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T knowledge.Experience setting up and running CNC mills and lathes.

Bonus Qualifications

• Formal machinist apprenticeship or technical certificate.
• Experience with CAD or CAM software.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing practices.
• Welding or fabrication experience.
• Prior lead or supervisory role in a machine shop.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Senior Machinist, Machine Shop Supervisor, Tool and Die Machinist, CNC Programmer, Manual Machinist, Production Machinist, Machining Team Lead, Setup Machinist, CNC Machinist

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who’ve been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic – they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

Required Skills:

Resume Offers Support Lean Manufacturing Welding Waste Machinery Salary Hiring Partnerships SolidWorks Recruiting Compensation Mentoring Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Specifications Programming Preparation Software Maintenance Design Engineering Training Leadership

Salary Package:

$ 61,000.00 – 91,000.00 (US Dollar)