CNC Machining Team Lead

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly seasoned CNC Machining Lead with a minimum of 15 years of direct experience in machining large, ultra-precision components. This role requires mastery in CNC programming, simulation, machining process engineering, cost modeling, and vendor-managed manufacturing. The successful candidate will lead a team of 4–5 machining specialists, providing technical direction, mentoring, and workload coordination.

The role demands expertise in machining parts exceeding 2 meters in diameter and in operating or supervising large-format CNC machines with bed sizes of 3 meters and above. This position drives manufacturability, process efficiency, cost accuracy, and delivery performance across internal and outsourced machining operations.

• Core Technical Responsibilities1. Technical Leadership & Team Management Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 4–5 machining specialists in CNC programming, process planning, tooling selection, and machining problem-solving.
• Allocate work, review technical output, and ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer, best practices, and training on Mastercam, machine capability, and large-part machining techniques.
• Conduct performance assessments and drive continuous improvement within the machining engineering team.
• 2. Advanced CNC Programming & Toolpath Simulation Develop complex multi-axis CNC programs using Mastercam, including detailed simulation for collision avoidance, accurate stock modeling, and optimized toolpaths.
• Engineer cutting parameters for rigidity, thermal stability, chip evacuation, and vibration minimization when machining large-format components.
• Maintain digital twins of machining setups to validate cycle times and operational feasibility.
• 3. Machining Process Engineering & Simplification Design simplified machining processes focusing on reducing setup counts, optimizing datum strategies, and eliminating non-value-added operations.
• Develop methodologies for machining large, heavy components through optimized sequencing for roughing, semi-finishing, and high-precision finishing.
• Assess tooling technologies and fixture systems for large-scale operations involving heavy loads and extended machining hours.
• 4. Cost Engineering & Data-Driven Supplier Negotiation Prepare accurate and detailed machining cost models using cycle-time analysis, tool-life estimation, and utilization metrics.
• Evaluate supplier quotations with bottom-up cost structures and provide objective, technical feedback.
• Conduct fact-based negotiations using validated machining data and simulation outputs to ensure cost competitiveness.
• 5. Large CNC Machine Expertise Provide expert oversight for the operation and setup of gantry mills, large-bed machining centers, VTLs, and other heavy-duty CNC platforms.
• Define safe and stable methods for fixturing, lifting, and shifting large workpieces (5–20 tons).
• Monitor machine accuracy, probe calibration, thermal behavior, and geometric stability during long-duration cuts.
• 6. Precision Inspection & Metrology Oversee and perform inspection of large components using CMMs (fixed and portable), laser trackers, and high-accuracy manual metrology instruments.
• Apply advanced GD&T knowledge to verify form, position, runout, cylindricity, flatness, and other critical parameters.
• Lead root-cause investigations for dimensional deviations and implement robust corrective actions.
• 7. Project & Vendor Management Lead the end-to-end machining project lifecycle including DFM review, process planning, first-article machining, and delivery.
• Evaluate vendor capability in terms of spindle power, machine accuracy, software support, and shop-floor competency.
• Drive vendor adherence to technical requirements, cost models, and delivery timelines.
• 8. Manufacturing Documentation Produce high-quality documentation including setup sheets, tool lists, machining sequences, datum schemes, and QC plans.
• Ensure all documentation aligns with company standards and supports traceability for audits and process validation.
• 9. Technical Communication Communicate technical requirements clearly in strong professional English with engineering teams, vendors, customers, and internal leadership.
• Present machining feasibility analyses, risk assessments, and corrective action reports with precision and clarity.
• Required Qualifications15+ years of industry experience in CNC machining of large, high-precision metal components.
• Proven leadership experience overseeing a team of machining specialists.
• Expert mastery of Mastercam, including multi-axis programming and simulation.
• Hands-on experience with machining parts 2 meters in diameter or larger and machines with 3m+ bed sizes.
• Deep knowledge of GD&T and large-scale inspection methodologies.
• Proven capability in cost estimation, technical negotiation, and vendor performance management.
• Excellent spoken and written English skills.
• Preferred Background Experience in aerospace, energy, defense, heavy machinery, marine, or precision industrial manufacturing sectors.
• Familiarity with machining of advanced materials (superalloys, titanium, stainless steels, structural castings).
• Experience solving issues related to chatter, thermal distortion, spindle performance, and machine accuracy on large-format parts.