Lead CNC Machinist
Temp to Hire
$30 - $35/hr
Position Summary
The Lead CNC Machinist is responsible for hands-on machining, job setup, and technical leadership for valve repair and modification work. This role bridges engineering, quality, and production, ensuring valve components are machined accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with customer and code requirements.
This is a working lead role—not just supervision.
Key Responsibilities
CNC Machining & Setup
- Set up and operate CNC lathes and mills for valve components:
- Bodies, bonnets, stems, seats, discs, trim
- Perform complex setups for:
- Irregular castings
- Repair weld overlays
- Select tooling, speeds, feeds, and fixtures for:
- Carbon steel, stainless, alloy steel, Inconel, Monel, duplex, Alloy 20
- Create programs at the machine (G-code) as required.
Valve Repair & Modification Support
- Machine components for:
- Seat and bore restoration
- Flange conversion (RTJ, RF, BW)
- Stem and trim replacement
- Pressure-containing parts
- Hold tight tolerances on:
- Concentricity
- Flatness
- Surface finish (sealing surfaces)
Technical Leadership
- Lead and mentor junior machinists and operators.
- Review travelers, drawings, and specs before machining starts.
- Coordinate with:
- Engineering (repair methods)
- Quality (inspection requirements)
- Welding/NDE teams
- Troubleshoot machining issues and prevent repeat defects.
Quality & Documentation
- Ensure machining meets:
- Customer specifications
- Internal inspection plans
- Verify dimensions before releasing parts to inspection.
- Assist with root cause analysis for machining-related NCRs.
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas.
Required Qualifications
Technical Skills
- 7+ years CNC machining experience (valve, pump, or heavy industrial preferred)
- Strong experience with CNC lathes (mills a plus)
- Proficient in:
- G-code editing
- Manual programming
- CAD/CAM
- Blueprint reading & GD&T
- Experience machining pressure-containing components
- Comfortable working with castings and weld-repaired parts
Leadership & Soft Skills
- Proven ability to lead by example on the shop floor
- Strong communication with co-workers
- Detail-oriented with a quality-first mindset
- Willing to stop work when requirements are not met
- Fast-paced environment
Preferred Experience
- Valve repair/modification environment
- API / ASME component familiarity
Typical Schedule
- Full-time, shop-based (7:30-4:30)
- Overtime common during outages or urgent repairs
- On-site role (no remote work)
Machines
- Haas ST-10
- (2) Haas ST-20Y with live tooling
- Haas ST-30
- Haas tool room mill
