Lead Multi‑Axis CNC Machining Specialist (Aerospace)

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing; Matthews (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing is seeking a seasoned CNC lead to guide on the shop floor, with a current emphasis on 2nd shift while exploring top CNC talent across all shifts. You will blend hands-on setup and operation with mentorship, process troubleshooting, tooling optimization, and cross-shift coordination.

This role includes a development path toward formal supervisory responsibilities, requiring clear communication, adherence to QMS, and focus on quality and productivity in a

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with multiple years of CNC machining experience; precision, tight-tolerance work strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience setting up and machining complex parts on multi-axis CNC milling, turning, and/or mill-turn platforms.
• Solid command of machining processes, tooling, workholding, feeds/speeds, blueprint reading, tolerances, and GD&T.
• History of providing technical guidance, mentorship, training, and direct support to machinists and operators.
• Proficiency with precision measurement and inspection tools for verifying conformance.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Own complex CNC setups and operations for milling and turning, including multi-axis work (3+2 and/or simultaneous 5-axis) while modeling quality and productivity.
• Coordinate daily priorities, manage workflow, and meet delivery commitments and production schedules.
• Coach and mentor CNC Machinists and Operators—reinforce safe practices and continuous improvement.
• Troubleshoot machining processes; optimize tooling, workholding, and process controls; elevate inspection methods.
• Serve as the shift communication hub—enable handoffs, support nonconformance resolution, ensure QMS adherence.
• Advance 5S, FOD prevention, equipment care, and workplace organization to drive operational excellence.

Skills

CNC machining

Multi-axis

Shop floor leadership

GD&T

Metrology

Communication

Education

Associate degree

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Imagine walking onto a spotless aerospace shop floor where complex, tight‑tolerance parts are queued for precision. You review the production plan, confirm tooling strategies, and bring a 5‑axis cell online. A first‑article inspection checks out perfectly. As the shift progresses, you coach a machinist through a tricky workholding challenge, refine feeds and speeds to eliminate chatter, and facilitate a clean handoff to the next team—all while elevating standards for quality, safety, and output. If that sounds like your ideal day, you may be the technical lead we’re looking for.

Role Snapshot

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing is seeking a seasoned CNC expert to lead on the shop floor, with a current emphasis on 2nd shift while we actively consider top CNC talent across all shifts. You will combine hands‑on setup and operation with mentorship, process troubleshooting, tooling optimization, and cross‑shift coordination. This position includes a development path toward formal supervisory responsibilities.

What You’ll Do

• Own complex CNC setups and operations for milling and turning, including multi‑axis work (3+2 and/or simultaneous 5‑axis) while modeling best‑in‑class quality and productivity.


• Coordinate daily priorities, manage workflow, and meet delivery commitments, production schedules, and quality targets.


• Coach and mentor CNC Machinists and Operators—reinforce safe practices, precision techniques, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.


• Troubleshoot machining processes; optimize tooling, workholding, and process controls; and elevate inspection methods to meet tight tolerances.


• Serve as the communication hub for the shift—enable seamless handoffs, support nonconformance resolution, and ensure adherence to the Quality Management System (QMS).


• Advance 5S discipline, FOD prevention, equipment care, and workplace organization to drive operational excellence.

What You Bring

• Deep CNC knowledge across setup, operation, troubleshooting, tooling, and process optimization in both milling and turning environments; strong multi‑axis experience preferred (3+2 and/or simultaneous 5‑axis).


• Proven shop‑floor leadership—mentoring peers, guiding problem‑solving, and championing quality and teamwork.


• Expertise in blueprint reading, GD&T, inspection methods, and precision metrology for tight‑tolerance manufacturing.


• Sound judgment and prioritization skills; ability to diagnose issues and resolve production challenges quickly.


• Clear communication and organization; proficiency with Microsoft Office; comfort using production metrics and KPIs to drive performance.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with multiple years of CNC machining experience in manufacturing; precision, tight‑tolerance work strongly preferred.


• Hands‑on experience setting up and machining complex parts on multi‑axis CNC milling, turning, and/or mill‑turn platforms.


• Solid command of machining processes, tooling, workholding, feeds/speeds, blueprint reading, tolerances, and GD&T.


• History of providing technical guidance, mentorship, training, and direct support to machinists and operators.


• Proficiency with precision measurement and inspection tools for verifying conformance.


• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Machining, or related field (or equivalent experience).


• Background as a Lead Machinist, Cell Lead, Technical Lead, Mentor, or similar shop‑floor leadership role.


• Experience in AS9100 aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.


• Proven capability with 3+2 and/or simultaneous 5‑axis milling and multi‑axis turning centers.


• Knowledge of Lean, Continuous Improvement, Root Cause Analysis, and/or Six Sigma.


• Advanced GD&T and familiarity with ASME Y14.5; related training/certification a plus.

Not Sure You Check Every Box?

Apply anyway. Whether you’re growing your CNC career or ready to lead, we’re hiring across 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts and will invest in motivated individuals who want to learn.

Standard Hours

• 1st Shift: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM


• 2nd Shift: Monday – Friday: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM


• 3rd Shift: Monday – Friday: 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM

About Northeast Tool & Manufacturing

We are a preferred supplier of precision machined components and complex assemblies for the Aerospace, Defense, & Space sectors. Our reputation for exceptional quality, innovative processes, and cutting‑edge solutions lets us tackle the most complex requests with confidence. We are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified and ITAR DDC compliant. Core capabilities include 5‑Axis Milling, Multi‑Axis Turning, and Wire EDM.

Core Proficiencies

• GD&T


• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover


• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology


• Aerospace Manufacturing

Machines & Technologies You’ll Use

• CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC) — DMG Mori Seiki, Okuma, Haas


• CNC Lathe (2–4 axis) — DMG Mori Seiki, Okuma, Haas


• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC) — DMG Mori Seiki


• CNC Lathe (5+ axis) — DMG Mori Seiki