Machine Shop Lead

JC Custom Machining & Design, Inc.; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

JC Custom Machining & Design, Inc., based in Hillsboro, OR, seeks a Machine Shop Lead to supervise day-to-day operations, plan and prioritize jobs, assign tasks to machinists, and ensure production schedules and quality standards are met.

You will oversee CNC and manual machine setup and operation, review drawings, and support problem-solving on complex machining jobs. Collaboration with engineering and quality teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Several years of progressive machining experience, with lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and GD&T.
• Experience with CNC and manual machine setup and operation.
• Strong emphasis on quality, inspection techniques, and CMM use.
• Leadership: plan and prioritize jobs, mentor machinists, manage production priorities.
• Commitment to safety, housekeeping, and shop discipline.

Responsibilities

• Supervise setup and operation of CNC and manual machines to meet production targets.
• Review drawings and specifications; ensure adherence to tolerances and process controls.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to solve complex machining challenges.
• Plan and prioritize shop workload; assign tasks and monitor progress.
• Train, mentor, and develop machinists; uphold safety and shop discipline.
• Monitor equipment maintenance needs and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

CNC & manual machining

Reading drawings & GD&T

Leadership & mentoring

Quality & inspection

Safety & shop discipline

Communication & collaboration

Lead/supervisory experience

CMM usage

Tools

CMM

Job description

Company Description

JC Custom Machining & Design, Inc. is a family-owned and operated machine shop that has been in business since 1981. The company serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, electronics, marine, medical, military, high tech, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical. JC Custom Machining & Design specializes in high-tolerance machining, prototyping, production runs, fabrication, machine building, assembly, and CMM inspection. Integrity and honest, forthright communication are central to how the company builds and maintains relationships with its customers. Team members join a versatile, quality-driven environment where precision and reliability are highly valued.

Role Description

The Machine Shop Lead is a full-time, on-site role based in Hillsboro, OR. This role oversees day-to-day shop operations, including planning and prioritizing jobs, assigning tasks to machinists, and ensuring production schedules and quality standards are met. Responsibilities include supervising setup and operation of CNC and manual machines, reviewing drawings and specifications, and supporting problem-solving on complex machining jobs. The Machine Shop Lead monitors workflow, coordinates with engineering and quality teams, and ensures adherence to safety protocols and shop procedures. This role also involves training and mentoring team members, tracking equipment maintenance needs, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives across the shop.

Qualifications

• Strong machining expertise, including experience with CNC and manual machine operation, setup, and high-tolerance work.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T, with solid understanding of materials and machining processes.
• Leadership and team coordination skills, including experience assigning work, mentoring machinists, and managing production priorities.
• Quality-focused mindset with familiarity in inspection techniques, CMM usage, and adherence to industry and customer specifications.
• Commitment to safety, organization, and shop discipline, including implementing and following safety protocols and maintenance routines.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with engineering, quality, and management.
• Experience in aerospace, medical, or other precision manufacturing environments is highly beneficial.
• Typically requires several years of progressive machining experience; prior lead or supervisory experience in a machine shop is preferred.