Machine Shop Operations Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI

Position Description

Position Title: CNC Machine Team Lead Date: 10/15/2025
Department: Production Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Operations Manager Location: Kiel, WI

Position Overview

The CNC Machine Team Lead is a highly skilled machinist responsible for performing advanced machining operations while providing technical and organizational guidance within their assigned machining area (lathe or mill). This role combines hands-on production work with coordination and support functions to ensure efficient workflow, high-quality output, and adherence to safety and company standards. While not a supervisory role, the Team Lead serves as a technical resource and mentor to peers, helping drive continuous improvement on the shop floor.

Position Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions
Perform a wide range of machine shop operations, including setup, programming, and operation of manual and CNC machines.
Read and interpret drawings and internal information to manufacture and assemble parts to specification.
Create and adjust CNC programs as needed.
Inspect parts against customer requirements.
Complete and maintain required inspections and production records in ProShop ERP.
Detect and report defective materials, questionable conditions, or process issues.
Maintain work area and equipment in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
Demonstrate familiarity with machine functions and basic troubleshooting.
Support and follow all company safety requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned by management
Team Lead Functions
Organize and maintain department tooling, fixtures, and setup resources.
Evaluate and implement new machining tactics, tooling strategies, or process improvements.
Provide programming support.
Be involved in daily scheduling meetings.
Collaborate with the Manufacturing Planner on production planning.
Coordinate with peers and management to ensure production priorities are met.
Take on complex or technical machining work, ensuring critical jobs run correctly and efficiently.
Offer technical insight to Engineering during quoting and process development for new jobs.
Train and mentor new and current employees.
Serve as a role model for teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement on the shop floor.

Qualifications:

Graduate from a certified technical school or 2+ years of proven CNC machining experience in a machine shop environment.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, models, and specifications to setup and produce precision parts.
Programming experience in G&M code or CAM software.
Experience with GD&T is desired.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to complete accurate, legible paperwork and maintain records on time.
Competence in basic math including whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
Proficiency using a computer to look up and record data.
Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot practical problems with a variety of concrete variables.
Effective communication, both verbal and written, and sound reasoning ability.
Commitment to comply with all company policies and procedures, including all safety regulations.
Physical Demands:

Must be able to ascend and descend by climbing (example: stairs, ladders).
Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, and walk.
Must be able to push, pull, lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally
Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word.
Must be able to hear to receive information through oral communication and to make discrimination in sound.
Must be able to pick, pinch, type or otherwise work, with fingers including grasping and feeling.
Must have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.
Must be able to wear common protective or safety equipment such as safety glasses, hearing protection, steel toed boots/shoes.

Work Environment:

Works in a manufacturing environment.
Exposed to air contamination (dust, odor, and fumes).
Heated and ventilated production floor.
Air conditioning in office.
Working around machinery with moving parts.
Working around moving objects or vehicles.
Working in close proximity to others.

*The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.