Senior/Lead Machinist

Position Summary:

UniWest is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior/Lead Machinist to lead daily machining operations, provide technical guidance to team members, and ensure the production of high-quality precision components. This role is both hands-on and supervisory, requiring advanced machining skills and the ability to coordinate workflow, training, and continuous improvement efforts within the machine shop.

Key Responsibilities:

• Machining & Fabrication
• • Operate and set up CNC and/or manual machines (mills, lathes, grinders, etc.) to produce complex components with tight tolerances.
  • Interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and CAD models.
  • Perform in-process inspection and first article inspection to ensure part conformity.
  • Develop, prove out, and optimize machining setups for prototype and production work.
• Leadership & Team Coordination
• • Mentor junior machinists and apprentices; provide technical support and training.
  • Schedule and assign machining tasks to team members based on workload and priorities.
  • Monitor team performance and productivity and recommend improvements.
• Quality & Process Control
• • Ensure compliance with safety standards, quality protocols, and company procedures.
  • Review part programs, tool paths, and setup sheets for accuracy and efficiency.
  • Own in-process inspection and first article validation to ensure conformance prior to release.
  • Authority to stop work, quarantine parts, and initiate corrective action when quality or safety issues are identified.
  • Lead or participate in root cause investigations and corrective actions for nonconforming parts.
• Continuous Improvement
• • Identify opportunities to improve machining processes, reduce cycle times, and optimize tool usage.
  • Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams on equipment upgrades and tooling strategies.
  • Capture and standardize proven setups, tooling, and process improvements for repeat use.

Qualifications:

• Experience:
• • Minimum 7–10 years of hands-on machining experience supporting prototype and production environments, with experience on CNC and/or manual machines.
  • 2+ years in a lead, supervisory, or mentoring role is strongly preferred.
  • Past aerospace manufacturing experience preferred but not required.
• Skills & Knowledge:
• • Strong ability to read, modify, troubleshoot, and optimize G-code generated from CAM software (e.g., CAMWorks, Mastercam, Fusion 360).
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, material properties, and machining best practices.
  • Able to read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions.
  • Experience with precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, CMM, etc.).
• Education:
• • High school diploma or equivalent required; technical school or machining certification preferred.
• Other Requirements:
• • Strong communication, people leadership, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
  • Willingness to work overtime or flexible shifts as needed.

What We Offer:

• This is a full time, non-exempt position. Wage range is $29.50 - $38.50 depending on experience.
• 100% Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a generous HRA plan.
• Participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discretionary profit sharing, once eligibility requirements are met.
• Paid time off begins at thirteen days, plus nine paid holidays.
• Opportunities for training and professional growth.

UniWest is an EEO employer and encourages anyone interested to apply.