ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Machine Shop Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ITC, Inc.

Machine Shop Lead

Peoria, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Our large manufacturing client located in Peoria, Illinois, is looking for a Machine Shop Lead to add to their 2nd & 3rd Shift team. Provide support to 2nd and 3rd Shift Operation team, with daily ...

Custom Control Sensors

Machine Shop Lead

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$36 - $42.30/hr

Machine Shop Lead Company: Custom Control Sensors, LLC Location: Phoenix, AZ Employee Type: Full Time - Non-Exempt Industry: Manufacturing Job Type: Machine Shop Education: High School Diploma or GED ...

Cornell Pump LLC

Machine Shop Lead

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$38 - $41/hr

Cornell Pump Company is looking for a hands-on Machine Shop Lead to guide our 2nd shift team. This is a great opportunity for an experienced CNC machinist who's ready to take ownership of operations ...

Halpin Staffing Services

Be Seen First

Machine Shop Lead

Racine, WI · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

The Machining Department Lead assists the supervisor with supervision, work assignments, and ... shop math skills with demonstrated capability of using measuring tools such as calipers ...

Eaton

Machine Shop Lead - 2nd Shift

Camarillo, CA · On-site

The Machine Shop Team Lead is responsible for leading day-to-day machine shop operations to ensure work is assigned properly, schedules are met, and quality and safety requirements are maintained.

Pro Mach

Machine Shop Lead

Statham, GA

Build Your Career as a Lead Machinist in a Growing Company At ProMach, we're looking for people who want to shine. You'll have opportunities to take your career in the direction you desire. You can ...

ProMach

Machine Shop Lead

Statham, GA · On-site

Build Your Career as a Lead Machinist in a Growing Company At ProMach, we're looking for people who want to shine. You'll have opportunities to take your career in the direction you desire. You can ...

Pro Mach

Machine Shop Lead

Statham, GA

Build Your Career as a Lead Machinist in a Growing Company At ProMach, we're looking for people who want to shine. You'll have opportunities to take your career in the direction you desire. You can ...

alu

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

We are looking for a CNC Machine Shop Lead who will oversee all operations performed by the personnel under their supervision. Job Requirements: * Work safe and maintain an organized, lean work ...

alu

CNC Machine Shop Lead - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$23.76 - $32.68/hr

We are looking for a CNC Machine Shop Lead who will oversee all operations performed by the personnel under their supervision. Job Requirements: * Work safe and maintain an organized, lean work ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsMachine Shop Lead Jobs

Machine Shop Lead information

See salary details

$36.5K

$76.3K

$119.5K

How much do machine shop lead jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine shop lead in the United States is $76,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Machine Shop Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Lead, you need solid experience in machining processes, blueprint reading, and shop safety, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant apprenticeship. Proficiency with CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and familiarity with quality control systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate production efficiently. These abilities are crucial for maintaining workflow, ensuring precision manufacturing, and upholding safety and quality standards in a fast-paced environment.

How does a Machine Shop Lead typically balance hands-on technical work with supervisory responsibilities?

As a Machine Shop Lead, you are expected to split your time between overseeing daily shop operations and participating directly in machining tasks. This often means supervising team members, coordinating workflow, ensuring quality standards, and troubleshooting equipment issues, while also stepping in to operate machinery or handle complex jobs when needed. Balancing these duties requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Leads frequently act as the main point of contact between machinists and management, helping to resolve challenges and facilitate communication across the team.

What does a Machine Shop Lead do?

A Machine Shop Lead oversees daily operations in a machine shop, guiding machinists and technicians to ensure production goals and quality standards are met. They coordinate workflow, assign tasks, and provide technical expertise on the use of machinery and equipment. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining safety protocols, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring machines are properly maintained. The role often involves training new staff, monitoring inventory, and collaborating with engineers or management to improve processes.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Lead vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop LeadMachinist
CredentialsOften requires experience and leadership skills, certifications varyTypically requires technical training or certifications in machining
Work EnvironmentSupervises and coordinates shop activities, oversees teamOperates machines, performs precision machining tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industriesCommon in similar industries, focused on machining tasks

The Machine Shop Lead oversees machining operations and manages team members, while the Machinist focuses on operating machines and producing parts. The Lead has more supervisory responsibilities, whereas the Machinist is hands-on with machining tasks. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but the Lead combines technical skills with leadership.

More about Machine Shop Lead jobs
What cities are hiring for Machine Shop Lead jobs? Cities with the most Machine Shop Lead job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop Lead jobs? The most popular types of Machine Shop Lead jobs are:
What states have the most Machine Shop Lead jobs? States with the most job openings for Machine Shop Lead jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Machine Shop Lead jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Shop Lead jobs are:
Machine Shop Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Lead job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,347 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

CNC Machine Shop Lead - Defence - Triple Shift

Jonathan Lee Recruitment

Bristol, VA

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

CNC Machine Shop Lead - Defence and Military Systems - Permanent - Attractive - South-West

A CNC Machine Shop Lead is required to join an International Defence Systems company that designs, manufactures, and supports world leading Military Systems. The successful CNC Machine Shop Lead will ensure the shift operates at an optimum level of safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in order to meet customer and company expectations for product quality. This includes adherence to associated procedures, the development of fully capable and reliable processes, and the effective utilisation of equipment and a flexible, skilled workforce.

This CNC Machine Shop Lead opportunity is a full time permanent position with a very good hourly rate plus a 50% uplift for the shift allowance.

The shift pattern will be a 3 Shift Rotating Pattern of Nights, Lates and Earlies.

The CNC Machine Shop Lead will play a pivotal role in developing a team culture that promotes continual improvement across Safety, People, Products, Processes, Procedures, and overall performance and the CNC Machine Shop Lead will report to the Manufacturing Manager

CNC Machine Shop Lead will be responsible for the following:

  • Ensure the team adheres to company rules, including safety standards.
  • Maintain a strong presence on the shop floor to reinforce safe working practices.
  • Brief toolbox talks and safety work instructions as advised by the EHS Lead.
  • Conduct workplace risk assessments as necessary to ensure a safe environment.
  • Report accidents and near misses in accordance with the accident reporting procedure.
  • Lead the shift to achieve production targets and conduct start-of-shift meetings.
  • Manage and hold Team Leaders accountable for labour distribution and output.
  • Oversee labour allocation and training needs; make recommendations to the Manager.
  • Take responsibility for team performance, conduct, and adherence to company rules.
  • Ensure all employees receive updates, news, and required training.
  • Maintain and regularly update skills matrices to support employee development.
  • Manage timesheets, holiday schedules, return-to-work interviews, and related admin.
  • Conduct performance reviews and annual grading activities.
  • Develop and encourage a positive team culture within the machine shop.
  • Oversee daily machine operations, troubleshoot issues, and organise rework.
  • Support Team Leaders with machine allocation and job prioritisation.
  • Control and report on Kanban levels and hold weekly meetings with the Manager.
  • Support and escalate maintenance issues as required.
  • Implement direct instructions from the Manufacturing Manager and support change.
  • Lead root cause analysis (RCA) sessions with Manufacturing, Engineering and Quality.
  • Support continuous improvement activities and maintain a high standard of housekeeping.

The CNC Machine Shop Lead should have the following Qualifications Skills or Experience:

  • Relevant experience in a CNC machine shop environment.
  • Demonstrable ability to set/run the majority of machine tools within defined processes.
  • Ability to lead through organising, coaching, developing, and motivating team members.
  • Attributes: open-minded, change-oriented, target-driven, methodical, and supportive.
  • Forward-thinking, with a positive, proactive, and approachable leadership style.
  • Strong communication skills at all levels of the business and Computer literate.

**Security Clearance (SC) may be required due to the nature of the Defence products involved**

Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high, and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have the right experience and you want to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about the CNC Machine Shop Lead role, please contact Peter Heap at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on or send suitable CV's to