WL - Lead CNC Machinist (1st Shift)

Fairbanks Morse Defense; Thomaston (CT); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Holidays

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Ward Leonard LLC, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is seeking a hands-on Lead CNC Machinist to drive precision machining excellence in defense applications. Lead from the shop floor, mentor machinists, and solve complex manufacturing challenges to deliver high-quality components to exacting standards.

The role oversees setup, programming, and operation of multi-axis CNC lathes, VTLs, 5-axis mill-turn centers, and cylindrical grinders, with collaboration across engineering, programming,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or formal machining training preferred.
• 7–10 years of experience operating and setting up multi-axis CNC machines, including VTLs and/or 5-axis mill-turn equipment.
• Proven leadership experience in a shop-floor environment; ability to train, motivate, and direct a team of machinists.
• Advanced knowledge of GD&T, tight-tolerance machining, and inspection methods.
• Proficiency with manual inspection tools (micrometers, bore gauges) and automated measurement systems (touch probes, CMMs).
• Experience with ISO 9001 or defense manufacturing environment preferred.
• U.S. Person status required to comply with defense contract regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor CNC machinists in daily operations, ensuring adherence to setup procedures, machining standards, and safety protocols.
• Set up and operate multi-axis CNC lathes, VTLs, 5-axis mill-turns, and cylindrical grinding machines to manufacture precision components to tight tolerances.
• Oversee and verify CNC program optimization for performance, tool life, and part quality; assist with complex setups and troubleshooting.
• Train and develop team members on tooling, workholding, offsets, G-code editing, grinding wheel setup and balancing, and inspection methods.
• Review and interpret blueprints, GD&T specifications, and work instructions to confirm compliance with customer and quality requirements.
• Coordinate in-process and final inspections using manual and automated metrology tools to verify dimensional accuracy.
• Monitor and adjust machining operations to ensure part conformance and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with engineering, programming, and quality teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Plan and prioritize work assignments to meet production schedules and maximize spindle utilization across machines.
• Maintain documentation for setups, tooling usage, maintenance, and production output.
• Ensure proper preventive maintenance on equipment and tooling, and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Champion a culture of safety, organization, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership experience

GD&T knowledge

Machining experience

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Technical machining training

Tools

FANUC CNC controllers

Siemens CNC controllers

OSP (Okuma) controls

Job description

Ward Leonard LLC, 401 Watertown Rd, Thomaston, Connecticut, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is an industry-leading provider of electric motor, generator, control, and service solutions critical to Naval applications for more than 120 years. Located in Thomaston, Connecticut, Ward Leonard has worked hard to build a reputation as being a trusted name in powering the defense industry. This trust within the market is not possible without the continued hard work, commitment, and dedication of our team who respect the importance of what we do and the impact it has on the servicemen and women.

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense, it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

Lead CNC Machinist

Job Summary

Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense company, is seeking an accomplished, hands-on Lead CNC Machinist to help drive precision machining excellence in support of mission-critical defense applications. This is an opportunity for an experienced CNC professional to lead from the shop floor—working with advanced machining technology, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and mentoring a skilled team that takes pride in producing high-quality components to exacting standards.

The Lead CNC Machinist will oversee and support CNC machinists in the setup, programming, and operation of multi-axis CNC lathes, vertical turret lathes (VTLs), 5-axis mill-turn centers, and cylindrical grinding machines. This role is ideal for someone who combines deep machining expertise with strong leadership skills and a commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.

In addition to supporting daily production, the Lead CNC Machinist will guide complex setups, optimize machining processes, troubleshoot technical issues, and develop the capabilities of other machinists. Working closely with engineering, programming, production, and quality teams, this individual will help ensure precision components for defense-related electro-mechanical systems are manufactured accurately, efficiently, and on schedule while meeting demanding customer and quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor CNC machinists in daily operations, ensuring adherence to setup procedures, machining standards, and safety protocols.
• Set up and operate multi-axis CNC lathes, VTLs, 5-axis mill-turn, and cylindrical grinding machines to manufacture precision components to tight tolerances.
• Oversee and verify CNC program optimization for performance, tool life, and part quality; assist with complex setups and troubleshooting.
• Train and develop team members on the proper use of tooling, workholding, offsets, G-code editing, grinding wheel setup and balancing, and inspection methods.
• Review and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T specifications, and work instructions to confirm compliance with customer and quality requirements.
• Coordinate in-process and final inspections using manual and automated metrology tools to verify dimensional accuracy.
• Monitor and adjust machining operations in real time to ensure part conformance and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, programming, and quality teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Plan and prioritize work assignments to meet production schedules and maximize spindle utilization across multiple machines.
• Maintain accurate documentation for setups, tooling usage, maintenance, and production output.
• Ensure proper preventive maintenance on equipment and tooling, and coordinate repairs when needed.
• Champion a culture of safety, organization, and continuous improvement throughout the machining area.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or formal machining training preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience operating and setting up multi-axis CNC machines, including VTLs and/or 5-axis mill-turn equipment, in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership experience in a shop‑floor environment, with the ability to train, motivate, and direct a team of machinists.
• Advanced knowledge of GD&T, tight‑tolerance machining, and inspection methods.
• Proficiency with both manual inspection tools, including micrometers and bore gauges, and automated measurement systems, including touch probes and CMMs.
• Familiarity with FANUC, Siemens, or OSP (Okuma) CNC controls preferred.
• Experience in an ISO 9001 or defense manufacturing environment strongly desired.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• U.S. Person status required to comply with defense contract regulations.

Working Conditions

• Clean, well‑maintained defense manufacturing facility.
• Requires standing for extended periods and lifting materials up to 50 lbs.
• Use of PPE and adherence to all safety procedures is mandatory.
• May require occasional overtime or flexible scheduling to meet production demands.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Ward Leonard LLC, 401 Watertown Rd, Thomaston, Connecticut, United States of America