Machinist Lead - 2nd Shift

niron; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Niron Magnetics is seeking a hands-on Machinist Lead for the 2nd shift. You will set up, program, troubleshoot, and operate CNC and manual machining equipment to produce magnets, components, fixtures, and assemblies while mentoring other machinists and meeting safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.

You will lead the shift, coordinate with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, R&D, and first-shift operations, review priorities, train on safe operation and inspection methods, and ensure

Qualifications

• Hands-on leadership of a second-shift machining team.
• Ability to interpret drawings and GD&T; develop and edit CNC programs.
• Experience with CNC and manual machining equipment; tooling and inspection.

Responsibilities

• Lead second-shift machining by reviewing priorities, staffing, materials, tooling, and equipment readiness; assign work based on production needs, operator capability, and delivery dates.
• Train and coach machinists on safe equipment operation, setups, inspection methods, standard work, quality, accountability, documentation, and workplace organization.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for machining, tooling, quality, equipment, and workflow issues, and lead clear shift handoffs covering status, concerns, needs, and next priorities.
• Set up, program, adjust, and operate CNC and manual machining equipment—including HAAS-controlled vertical mills, grinders, lathes, and related systems to production magnets, components, fixtures, and assemblies.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, process documentation, and GD&T requirements; develop, prove, edit, and optimize CNC programs using CAM and machine-control systems.

Skills

Shift leadership

Team coaching

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Tools

HAAS CNC

CNC programming

Manual machining

GDT inspection tools

Job description

Niron Magnetics is commercializing the first new permanent magnetic material in decades—a breakthrough Iron Nitride technology that eliminates rare earths, strengthens supply chains, and drives a more sustainable future. At Niron, we’re not improving what exists—we’re building what’s never existed before. The materials, processes, and standards are being created in real time by our team. We were named one of "America's Top GreenTech Companies" for 2024 and 2025 by TIME Magazine, Fast Company World Changing Ideas wins in 2024, 2025 and winners of the Minneapolis/ St. Paul Business Journal Minnesota Manufacturing Awards in 2025 and 2026.

As we scale to commercial production, your impact is immediate and visible—on the plant floor, in the lab, and in the products our customers bring to life. We set a high bar because what we’re building will last—and so will the legacy of the people behind it.

About the role

As the Machinist Lead for 2nd Shift, you will be a hands-on technical leader responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and consistent operation of Niron’s second-shift machining and finishing activities. You will set up, program, troubleshoot, and operate CNC and manual machining equipment while helping machinists prioritize work, solve production problems, follow standard processes, and achieve daily safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.

You will serve as the primary machining resource on the second shift and work closely with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, R&D, and first-shift operations. This role is ideal for an experienced machinist who enjoys remaining hands-on with equipment while coaching others and improving how work gets done.

What you’ll do

Shift Leadership and Team Support

• Lead second-shift machining by reviewing priorities, staffing, materials, tooling, and equipment readiness; assign work based on production needs, operator capability, and delivery dates.

• Train and coach machinists on safe equipment operation, setups, inspection methods, standard work, quality, accountability, documentation, and workplace organization.

• Serve as the first point of escalation for machining, tooling, quality, equipment, and workflow issues, and lead clear shift handoffs covering status, concerns, needs, and next priorities.

Machining Operations

• Set up, program, adjust, and operate CNC and manual machining equipment—including HAAS-controlled vertical mills, grinders, lathes, and related systems to production magnets, components, fixtures, and assemblies.

• Complete tool changes, offsets, machine adjustments, and in-process corrections while monitoring tool wear, dimensional drift, equipment conditions, and process variation.

• Perform routine preventive maintenance and keep equipment, tooling, and work areas properly maintained.

Programming, Drawings, and Inspection

• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, process documentation, and GD&T requirements; develop, prove, edit, and optimize CNC programs using approved CAM and machine-control systems.

• Verify parts with precision inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, optical comparators, and CMMs, and ensure operators understand critical dimensions, inspection frequency, and acceptance criteria.

• Maintain accurate setup sheets, tooling information, machine programs, inspection results, production records, and process observations