CNC Programming Lead Machinist

Location: Lapeer, MI

Schedule: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM standard; optional extended 10-hour shifts to 2:00 AM

Day in the Life

When your shift begins at Evolution Tool, you’ll review prints and job packets, translate complex requirements into clean toolpaths, and choose the right tooling and workholding to get parts running quickly and accurately. As the second-shift lead, you’ll set the pace: bringing up programs, dialing in offsets, coaching teammates through tricky setups, and validating parts with precision measuring tools. You’ll collaborate with engineering on manufacturability, document what you run, and leave the area clean, organized, and safe for the next operation. If a challenge pops up—chatter, tolerance drift, surface finish—you’ll troubleshoot on the spot, refine feeds and speeds, and keep production on schedule.

What You’ll Do

• Independently program CNC equipment using G-code/M-code and CAD/CAM, creating, editing, and optimizing programs for accuracy and efficiency.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot machines; select tooling, workholding, and machining strategies that deliver repeatable results.
• Interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specs to ensure dimensional compliance.
• Lead and coordinate second-shift activities to meet quality, throughput, and delivery targets.
• Mentor machinists, offering hands-on guidance for programming, setup, and machining challenges.
• Inspect parts with precision instruments and verify conformance to requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, tooling, cycle times, and overall efficiency.
• Partner with engineering and cross-functional teams to resolve machining hurdles and meet project needs.
• Maintain clear documentation, and uphold a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Operate with independence and sound judgment while owning shift outcomes and product quality.

What You Bring

• 3+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience.
• Proven ability to program independently, including creating, modifying, and troubleshooting CNC programs.
• Deep knowledge of G-code/M-code, machining principles, cutting tools, feeds/speeds, and workholding.
• Experience using CAD/CAM software.
• Fluency reading blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Track record setting up, operating, and troubleshooting CNC equipment.
• Expertise with precision measurement tools and quality inspection methods.
• Leadership or team-lead/mentorship experience preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, detail orientation, and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work autonomously while coordinating and supporting fellow machinists.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or machining certifications preferred.

Schedule & Workstyle

• Standard shift: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM.
• Extended shift option: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM for 10-hour shifts.
• Comfort with afternoon/evening hours and extending the shift as workload requires.

Why Evolution Tool

Join a team that prizes craftsmanship, precision, and practical problem-solving. Put your programming and machining expertise to work on complex, rewarding projects while supporting the success of the machining team. If you lead by example and take pride in fine-tuning parts to spec, we’d like to hear from you.