Senior Machinist — CNC/Precision Tooling Lead

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation in Gaithersburg, MD, is seeking an experienced Machinist to set up, adjust, and operate conventional and CNC machines to produce precision parts. You will read blueprints, work with engineering teams, and implement tooling and setups for close tolerances.

The role includes mentoring machinists, maintaining safety, developing preventive maintenance, and collaborating on design and prototyping.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a machinist in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, technical drawings, and CAD models.
• Strong knowledge of machining principles, materials, and tooling.
• Experience with CNC programming (e.g., G-code, CAM software).
• Ability to lead and train junior machinists.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate conventional and/or special-purpose machine tools to perform complex machining operations with close tolerances, multiple dimensional relationships, and specialized surface finishes.
• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to ensure accurate part fabrication.
• Improvise tooling and machine setups as needed to achieve desired results.
• Document setup and operational procedures to support repeatability and knowledge sharing.
• Supervise and mentor machinists and apprentices, ensuring quality standards and productivity goals are met.
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment in compliance with company safety policies.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering on the design and prototyping of new fabricated parts.
• Program, operate, and troubleshoot CNC equipment.
• Develop and maintain a preventive maintenance program for all machining equipment.
• Coordinate with facilities to ensure timely removal of scrap materials in accordance with company recycling policies.
• Work closely with Production and Manufacturing Engineering to design and fabricate custom tools, fixtures, and jigs to support assembly and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain up-to-date MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for all chemicals used in machining operations.

Skills

Blueprint reading

CNC programming

Machining expertise

Leadership

Tools

CAD software

CAM software

Job description

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation in Gaithersburg, MD, is seeking an experienced Machinist to set up, adjust, and operate conventional and CNC machines to produce precision parts. You will read blueprints, work with engineering teams, and implement tooling and setups for close tolerances.

The role includes mentoring machinists, maintaining safety, developing preventive maintenance, and collaborating on design and prototyping.