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Lead Machinist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zoo

Lead Machinist

Los Angeles, CA

You will lead machining efforts across CNC mills, lathes, prototype equipment, and fabrication tools to produce high-quality parts used in product development, testing, fixtures, and production ...

Zoo

Lead Machinist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

You will lead machining efforts across CNC mills, lathes, prototype equipment, and fabrication tools to produce high-quality parts used in product development, testing, fixtures, and production ...

IDEX Corporation

Lead Machinist

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

Lead Machinist Classification: Hourly (non-exempt) Reports To: Machine Shop Supervisor Summary/Objective The Lead Machinist is a hands-on, working lead responsible for performing advanced machining ...

IDEX

Lead Machinist

Oklahoma City, OK

Lead Machinist Classification: Hourly (non-exempt) Reports To: Machine Shop Supervisor Summary/Objective The Lead Machinist is a hands-on, working lead responsible for performing advanced machining ...

IDEX Corporation

Lead Machinist

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

Lead Machinist Classification: Hourly (non-exempt) Reports To: Machine Shop Supervisor Summary/Objective The Lead Machinist is a hands-on, working lead responsible for performing advanced machining ...

IDEX Corporation

Lead Machinist

Oklahoma City, OK

Lead Machinist Classification: Hourly (non-exempt) Reports To: Machine Shop Supervisor Summary/Objective The Lead Machinist is a hands-on, working lead responsible for performing advanced machining ...

Superior Aerospace

Lead Machinist

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$35/hr

Lead MachinistSuperior Aerospace is hiring an experienced Lead Machinist to support daily machining operations and help guide shop-floor employees. This position sets up and operates a variety of ...

All American Racers

Lead Machinist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$38 - $45/hr

Lead Machinist Job Status: Full Time Department: Machining Reports To: Machine Shop Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Travel Requirements: NA Work Schedule: 6:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. Work Location: Santa ...

Apex Space & Defense Systems

Lead Machinist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

The Lead Machinist will serve as a technical expert and working leader on the shop floor, responsible for setting up and operating equipment, mentoring junior machinists, and ensuring quality ...

ALL AMERICAN RACERS INC

Lead Machinist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

The Lead Machinist will serve as a technical expert and working leader on the shop floor, responsible for setting up and operating equipment, mentoring junior machinists, and ensuring quality ...

Aerotek

Lead Machinist

Tampa, FL

$30 - $35/hr

CNC Machinist - Aerospace & Defense $30-$40/hr | Full Benefits | Climate-Controlled Facility Join a growing aerospace manufacturing team producing high-precision components for the aerospace and ...

Ascentec Engineering, LLC

CNC Lead Machinist

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$27 - $39/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced CNC Lead Machinist to join our team for this full-time position. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience operating and maintaining CNC ...

Ascentec Engineering LLC

CNC Lead Machinist

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$27 - $39/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced CNC Lead Machinist to join our team for this full-time position. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience operating and maintaining CNC ...

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Lead Machinist information

See salary details

$15

$24

$35

How much do lead machinist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead machinist in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lead Machinist vs Machinist?

AspectLead MachinistMachinist
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in machining and leadership experienceRequires technical training or certification in machining
Work EnvironmentSupervises teams in manufacturing or workshop settingsOperates machines directly in manufacturing environments
Employer UsageUsed in industries like aerospace, automotive, and heavy manufacturingCommon across various manufacturing sectors

The main difference between a Lead Machinist and a Machinist is that the Lead Machinist oversees and coordinates machining operations, often supervising other machinists, while the Machinist focuses on operating machines to produce parts. Both roles require technical skills, but the Lead Machinist also involves leadership and planning responsibilities.

What are some common challenges lead machinists face when overseeing a team in a manufacturing environment?

Lead Machinists often encounter challenges such as balancing hands-on machining tasks with supervisory duties, ensuring all team members adhere to safety protocols, and coordinating production schedules to meet deadlines. They are responsible for troubleshooting complex equipment issues and providing guidance to less experienced machinists, which requires strong technical knowledge and effective communication skills. Additionally, adapting to new technologies or processes and maintaining high quality standards under pressure are common aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead machinist?

To thrive as a Lead Machinist, you need advanced machining skills, in-depth knowledge of blueprint reading, and experience with quality control, typically supported by a technical diploma or apprenticeship. Proficiency in operating CNC machines, using CAD/CAM software, and familiarity with precision measuring instruments are essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help guide teams, ensure safety, and maintain production standards. These abilities are crucial for delivering accurate parts, optimizing workflow, and upholding quality in a manufacturing environment.

What is a lead machinist?

Lead Machinists are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing machining operations in a manufacturing or workshop setting. They set up, operate, and maintain various machine tools such as lathes, mills, and grinders, ensuring parts are produced to precise specifications. In addition to their technical skills, Lead Machinists supervise and train other machinists, coordinate workflow, and help troubleshoot equipment or process issues. Their role is crucial in maintaining productivity, safety, and quality standards within the machine shop.

Are lead machinists still in demand?

Lead machinists are still in demand due to ongoing manufacturing and maintenance needs in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and industrial equipment. Skilled machinists with experience in CNC machines and precision tools are particularly sought after, especially those with certifications and strong technical knowledge. Employment opportunities often depend on industry growth and regional manufacturing activity.
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Lead Machinist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Machinist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Lead Machinist

Zoo

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

About The Role

As a Lead Machinist at Zoo, you will own day-to-day operations of our machine shop and help build the physical hardware systems that power the future of engineering design. You will lead machining efforts across CNC mills, lathes, prototype equipment, and fabrication tools to produce high-quality parts used in product development, testing, fixtures, and production programs.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives on precision, process improvement, and execution. You will program, set up, machine, inspect, and troubleshoot parts while helping establish shop standards, workflows, and operational excellence. You will work closely with mechanical engineers, software engineers, and leadership to translate digital designs into world-class manufactured components. You will play a critical role in bridging software-driven hardware design with real-world manufacturing.

What You'll Do
  • Oversee daily operations of the machine shop, including scheduling, prioritization, workflow management, and equipment readiness
  • Lead machining across CNC mills, CNC lathes, manual mills, manual lathes, and other fabrication equipment
  • Set up, program, and operate machines to manufacture precision components, fixtures, prototypes, and production parts
  • Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T callouts, and technical specifications to produce accurate parts
  • Partner closely with engineering teams to review manufacturability, tolerances, materials, and machining strategies
  • Develop tooling, fixturing, workholding, and repeatable shop processes that improve throughput and quality
  • Inspect finished parts using calipers, micrometers, indicators, CMM tools, or other metrology equipment
  • Troubleshoot dimensional issues, machine problems, tooling wear, and process inefficiencies
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and highly organized shop environment with strong operational discipline
  • Track inventory of tooling, consumables, raw materials, and replacement components
  • Support vendor coordination and overflow manufacturing when external shops are needed
  • Help hire, train, mentor, and develop future machinists or shop technicians as the team grows
  • Drive continuous improvement across cycle times, scrap reduction, uptime, and overall shop capability
What You'll Need
  • 5+ years of machining experience with significant hands-on CNC experience
  • Experience leading or supervising a machine shop, production cell, or manufacturing floor
  • Strong expertise with CNC mills, lathes, tooling, setups, offsets, feeds, speeds, and machine optimization
  • Experience programming using CAM software and editing machine code at the controller
  • Ability to read engineering drawings and interpret GD&T and tolerance requirements
  • Experience working from CAD models and collaborating with mechanical engineering teams
  • Strong inspection and quality control skills using precision measurement tools
  • Strong troubleshooting mindset with the ability to solve machining and process challenges quickly
  • High attention to detail, craftsmanship, and pride in producing quality hardware
  • Ability to balance prototype urgency with production consistency
Nice to Have
  • Experience in aerospace, automotive, hardware startup, or precision manufacturing environments
  • Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, plastics, and specialty materials
  • Familiarity with modern CAD/CAM workflows and digital manufacturing systems
  • Experience with Haas, Okuma, Mazak, DMG Mori, or similar equipment
  • Knowledge of additive manufacturing, fixtures, or hybrid prototyping environments
  • Experience building shop processes in a fast-growing startup setting

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