Lathe Machine Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Primus Aerospace is looking for a CNC Lathe Production Team Lead, to work at our Lakewood facility. Primus Aerospace is a leading manufacturing partner to aerospace, defense & space OEMs / Primes & Tier I suppliers. The company specializes in producing high-tolerance, complex geometry parts; machined out of standard and exotic metals. Primus works directly with all major aerospace manufacturers (e.g., Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop) to provide components to mission critical civilian and defense programs.

Job Purpose:

The Team Lead is responsible for the performance and production of Primus Aerospace's manufacturing operations within their department. This includes the management and direction of production personnel and processes including production control, quality control, safety, ISO documentation and shipping and receiving. The Team Lead will work with internal teammates across departments to maintain customer satisfaction of assigned work orders. This position requires a hands-on team player with superior communication skills, providing a channel of communication between the shop floor, shift changes and office and building relationships with corresponding vendor staff while contributing to a positive teamwork environment. This person will also be responsible for testing and validating programs. They will set up the machines to run the program and then acclimate the CNC Operator(s) to operate the machines. The Team Lead is also responsible for program troubleshooting.

1st Shift: M-Th 6am - 4:30pm

CNC Production Team Lead - CNC Lathe

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily CNC lathe production, ensuring orders are completed on time, within cost, and to quality standards.
• Set up and operate CNC lathes; verify router, drawings, and programs for accuracy.
• Provide reliable setups, instructions, and tooling support to operators; monitor cycle times, scrap rates, and part quality.
• Lead and motivate the machinist team by setting goals, delegating tasks, and fostering open communication.
• Train, coach, and evaluate employees; support hiring, performance management, and disciplinary actions in line with company policy.
• Promote Lean manufacturing, 5S, safety compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage standardized work practices, shop floor organization, and care of equipment.
• Collaborate with programming and operations teams to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Drive process improvements, risk management, and knowledge sharing across the department.
• Support team development through training programs, feedback, and team-building activities.
• Perform additional tasks as required.

Must-haves:

• High School Diploma/GED with 5+ years of machining experience
• Ability to set up CNC lathes.
  
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing, print reading, and mathematics and manufacturing processes
• MS Office knowledge, especially in Excel
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, strong aptitude for organization and time management
• Ability to delegate tasks, thorough attention to detail, capacity to analyze and problem solve
  
• Proven ability to lead and drive employee engagement and accountability
  
• Knowledge of performance metrics
  
• Experience and confidence in making decisions, high self-initiative with the ability to work well under pressure

Preferred:

• Experience decreasing turnaround times
• Ability to streamline work processes
• Understanding of ISO 9001 and AS9100
• Minimum of (5) years' experience as a CNC set-up machinist
  
• Have tools, indicators, micrometers, calipers, deburring tools, etc.

We offer comprehensive benefits for full-time employees including:

• PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-term disability insurance
• 401K match
• Long and short-term incentive plans
• Benefits start 1st of the month after date of hire

To adhere to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident.

At Primus Aerospace, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that supports, respects, and celebrates all individuals.

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