Machinist Lead 2nd Shift

Cepedaassociates; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cepedaassociates is seeking a Lead Machinist to coordinate a team during the 2nd shift in Louisville, Kentucky. This role involves ensuring precision in manufacturing processes, conducting inspections, and enforcing safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have experience in CNC programming, blueprint reading, and strong leadership skills. Training will be provided on the first shift before transitioning to the second shift. The company values safety and quality in all operations, with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Lead Machinist in manufacturing environments.
• Expertise in CNC programming for CNC lathe and CNC milling machines.
• Skilled in interpreting blueprints and technical drawings.
• Ability to use precision measurement tools with accuracy.
• Strong communication skills to mentor team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of machinists during the 2nd shift.
• Oversee setup and operation of CNC machines.
• Develop and optimize CNC programs.
• Conduct inspections to ensure part accuracy.
• Enforce safety protocols and conduct safety audits.

Skills

CNC programming

Blueprint reading

Mechanical knowledge

Leadership experience

Lean manufacturing

Tools

Fanuc controls

CAM programming software

SolidWorks

CAD tools

Job description

The position of machinist lead is to lead and coordinate a team of machinists during 2nd shift, ensure precision in manufacturing processes, and uphold the highest standards of quality and safety. Your expertise in CNC programming, blueprint reading, and mechanical knowledge will drive efficiency and excellence across all machining activities.

This position will train on first shift, Monday–Thursday, 6:00am–4:30pm and move to second shift in October 2026. The schedule will be Monday–Thursday, 3:30pm–2:00am.

Reports to Production Manager

Responsibilities & Duties

Lead and mentor a team of machinists, promoting safety, productivity, and quality standards during the 2nd shift.

Oversee setup, operation, and troubleshooting of CNC lathes, CNC milling machines, and other machining equipment such as Fanuc controls.

Develop and modify CNC programs using CAM programming tools to optimize machining processes for complex parts.

Interpret blueprints, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing), and technical drawings to ensure precise manufacturing.

Conduct inspections with precision measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and coordinate measuring machines to verify part accuracy.

Maintain tooling inventories, select appropriate tooling for specific jobs, and ensure proper tool maintenance.

Enforce lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve workflow efficiency across operations.

Ensure compliance with safety protocols by conducting regular safety audits and training sessions for the team.

Skills/Training/Qualifications Required

Proven experience as a Lead Machinist with strong mechanical knowledge in manufacturing environments.

Expertise in CNC programming for both CNC lathe and CNC milling machines; familiarity with Fanuc controls is preferred; experience with 5-axis machines is desirable.

Skilled in reading blueprints, GD&T specifications, and technical drawings accurately.

Proficiency in using precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and coordinate measuring machines (CMM).

Knowledge of CAM programming software, SolidWorks/Inventor or CAD for part design review.

Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, forklifts, and other manufacturing machinery safely.

Basic math skills for measurements, calculations, and process adjustments.

Strong leadership abilities with excellent communication skills to guide team members effectively.

Familiarity with lean manufacturing practices is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and move heavy objects up to 50 lbs., stand for long periods of time, wear required protective clothing and equipment.

Frequent overtime required.

Ability to respond to emergency work when required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job‑related factors.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization.

Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at‑will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.