Lead Machinist

Summary:

Lead-level position responsible for performing progressive machining operations on a diversified line of close-tolerance machined parts independently while providing day-to-day work direction to the team, while maintaining production, quality, and safety standards. Provides day-to-day work direction, training, and technical leadership to the team and serves as the first point of escalation. This is a working lead role; it provides work direction and training but does not carry direct people-management authority such as hiring, discipline, or performance reviews, which remain with the Supervisor.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide day-to-day work direction, task assignment, and workflow coordination for assigned machinists
 • Set up, adjust, and operate manual machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders) to perform machining operations on close-tolerance work
 • Work from drawings, specifications, and job layouts to meet tolerance and finish requirements
 • Diagnose and rectify tooling problems and machine issues
 • Use precision measuring and gauging instruments to verify dimensions and finish
 • Maintain or exceed the approved rate of production while meeting quality standards
 • Perform light preventative maintenance and housekeeping for assigned machines and work areas
 • Accurately document production and labor data in required systems
 • Identify and recommend improvements to machining methods, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions
 • Train, mentor, and develop machinists on processes, tooling, quality standards, and safety practices
 • Serve as the first point of escalation for technical and quality issues; investigate root cause and implement or recommend corrective action
 • Partner with the Supervisor on staffing needs, training plans, and performance feedback (recommendations only; formal personnel decisions remain with the Supervisor)
 • Follow all safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies
 • Perform other duties as assigned by Supervision or Management

Systems, Tools, & Technology: 

• Manual machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders)
 • Precision measuring and gauging instruments
 • Hand and power tools
 • ERP systems (Epicor)
 • ADP timekeeping
 • Microsoft Office

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma or GED
 • Expert mechanical aptitude
 • 7+ years of manual machining experience
 • Ability to read and interpret complex drawings, specifications, and procedures
 • Demonstrated ability to provide work direction, training, and technical leadership to others
 • Ability to work any assigned shift
 • Ability to meet physical demands of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Technical or vocational training in machining or a related mechanical discipline
 • Experience machining close-tolerance hydraulic components
 • Prior experience in a precision manufacturing environment
 • Prior lead, group leader, or working-lead experience
 • Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods

Competencies: 

• Machining aptitude and tool knowledge
 • Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
 • Attention to detail
 • Ability to interpret technical drawings and job layouts
 • Quality focus
 • Communication skills
 • Process improvement orientation
 • Leadership and the ability to direct and develop others
 • Planning, organization, and time management

Behaviors Required: 

• Accountability and ownership of work
 • Safety-focused mindset
 • Professionalism and reliability
 • Team-oriented collaboration
 • Adaptability in a production environment
 • Continuous improvement mindset

Working Environment and Physical Demands: 

• Work performed in a manufacturing/shop environment
 • Exposure to noise, dust, odors, and fumes
 • Standing for extended periods
 • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
 • Frequent bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling
 • Ability to operate material handling equipment such as hoists, pallet jacks, and forklifts
 • Ability to work at heights using step ladders as needed

Training Requirements: 

• General safety training

• Customer specific training as required

• ISO 9001 and applicable quality processes and procedures
 • Job-specific and equipment-related training as required
 • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance training

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 

• Safety glasses
 • Steel-toe or composite-toe shoes
 • Hard hat
 • Gloves as required
 • Additional PPE as required for specific tasks

Scope & Flexibility Statement

This job description outlines the general duties and requirements of the position and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Responsibilities may change or be added based on business needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodation Statement

The Oilgear Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Oilgear Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. Applicants or employees requiring accommodation may contact Human Resources.

Employment Status Statement

Employment with The Oilgear Company is at-will. This means that either the employee or The Oilgear Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Nothing in this job description or any other Company document should be interpreted as a contract of employment, an offer of continued employment, or a guarantee of employment for any specific duration.