Machining Technical Lead

The Machining Lead is the subject matter expert for CAM and CNC programming at the Morenci location. This person turns customer drawings and models into efficient, accurate programs, including long-length work on our dual-head machines, and partners directly with customers on manufacturability, tolerance and process improvements.

Just as important, the Machining Lead is a teacher. You will build the next generation of machinists by training and mentoring employees who want to learn CNC operation, setup and programming., * Serve as the site subject matter expert for CAM software and CNC programming across mills, lathes and multi-axis machines.

• Create, edit, simulate and optimize CNC programs from customer drawings, 3D models and specifications.
• SolidWorks and Mastercam software experience required.
• Select tooling, fixturing, feeds, speeds and machining strategies to improve cycle time, tool life and part quality.
• Prove out new programs and develop first articles; troubleshoot program, setup and machine issues on the floor.
• Maintain an organized, version-controlled program library and setup documentation.

Customer Collaboration

• Work directly with customers to review drawings, tolerances, GD&T and part requirements.
• Provide design-for-manufacturability feedback and recommend cost or quality improvements.
• Support quoting by estimating cycle times, tooling needs and machining approaches.
• Participate in customer meetings, visits and audits as the technical machining contact.

Training and Mentoring

• Develop and deliver hands-on training in blueprint reading, measurement, CNC setup, operation and programming.
• Mentor employees who want to grow into machinist, setup or programmer roles.
• Create work instructions, setup sheets and training materials; track trainee progress and skill sign-offs.
• Model and coach safe work practices and quality standards.

Production, Quality and Continuous Improvement

• Provide day-to-day technical leadership to the machining team to meet schedule, quality and safety goals.
• Partner with Quality on inspections, root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts, including setup reduction, scrap reduction and process standardization.
• Recommend equipment, software and tooling investments.
• Follow all company safety policies and MIOSHA requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.
• 10+ years of CNC machining experience, including 5+ years of CAD/CAM and CNC programming in a production or job-shop environment.
• Proven experience with SolidWorks and Mastercam, including modeling, toolpath creation and programming directly from customer 3D models.
• Strong G-code and M-code knowledge, including hand editing and on-machine troubleshooting.
• Experience programming and setting up CNC vertical machining centers; dual-head or large-bed machine experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced blueprint reading, GD&T interpretation and precision measurement skills (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, etc.).
• Proven ability to train others and explain technical concepts clearly to people at all skill levels.
• Comfortable working directly with customers in a professional, solutions-focused way.
• Strong problem-solving, organization and communication skills.
• Basic computer skills, including email and Microsoft Office., * Associate degree or certificate in machining, manufacturing technology or a related field; NIMS credentials a plus.
• Flow drilling experience and experience machining tubular parts; 4- and 5-axis milling a plus.
• Experience with additional CAD/CAM platforms (e.g., Fusion 360, Esprit, GibbsCAM or Inventor).
• Prior lead, trainer or apprenticeship-mentor experience.
• Experience supporting quoting, first article inspection (FAI) and PPAP.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality systems.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience (5S, SMED, kaizen).

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role splits time between the production floor and an office or programming area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Stand, walk, bend and reach for extended periods on the shop floor.
• Lift and move up to 50 lbs. occasionally; use hoists or cranes for heavier parts and fixtures.
• Work at a computer for extended periods while programming.
• Exposure to machine noise, coolants, oils, metal chips and moving machinery.
• Required PPE includes safety glasses, safety-toe footwear and hearing protection, plus other PPE as required by the task.
• Occasional travel to other Midwest Metals sites or customer locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Midwest Metals LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Pay: $29.00 - $49.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 - 50.0 per week, * 401(k)

• 401(k) 4% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Midwest Metals is a privately held, family-owned manufacturing company on the move. We started in steel processing, and we are now building something bigger: a diversified manufacturing organization with locations across Michigan and Ohio.

Our momentum comes from two directions. We are acquiring well-run manufacturers that bring new capabilities, new customers, and talented teams into the Midwest Metals family. At the same time, we are growing organically by investing in our existing operations, expanding capacity, adding equipment and services, and deepening relationships with the customers who already count on us.

What has not changed is who we are. Integrity, hard work, long-term relationships, and taking care of our people are still at the heart of everything we do. We are building a company designed to thrive for generations, with the entrepreneurial energy of a fast-growing business and the culture of a family that looks out for its own.