Lead Machinist | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $58,000 - $88,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for excelling in lead machinist? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Portage seeking skilled Lead Machinists.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Portage region seeking Lead Machinists. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and program complex CNC machinery for precision part manufacturing.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to junior machinists.
• Oversee quality control processes, ensuring all parts meet strict specifications and tolerances.
• Troubleshoot machining issues, adjust parameters, and perform minor machine maintenance.
• Optimize machining processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
• Coordinate workflow and assign tasks to team members to meet production schedules.
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment, enforcing all safety protocols.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a machinist, with demonstrated leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Advanced proficiency in CNC programming (G-code, M-code), setup, and operation of multi-axis mills and lathes.
• Expert ability to interpret complex engineering blueprints, GD&T, and perform precise measurements using various metrology tools.
• Proven problem-solving and troubleshooting skills for machining processes, tooling, and material challenges.
• Strong communication, mentorship, and training abilities to lead and develop a team of machinists.

Bonus Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, SolidCAM, Fusion 360).
• Experience with preventative maintenance or basic machine diagnostics and repair.
• Proficiency in CMM operation or advanced metrology techniques.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles or continuous improvement methodologies.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lead Machinist, Machinist Lead, CNC Lead Machinist, Machining Team Lead, Machining Supervisor, Senior Machinist, Master Machinist

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out. The Pivot Group offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.