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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Production Lead

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingCNCProduction ManagementMachining

🎯 Role Definition

The CNC Production Lead is a front-line manufacturing leader responsible for planning, directing, and improving CNC machining operations to meet production, quality, safety, and cost targets. This role blends hands-on technical expertise (CNC programming, setup, tooling and machining) with team leadership, continuous improvement, and cross-functional coordination to maximize throughput, minimize scrap, and ensure on-time delivery of precision components.

Key focus areas: CNC programming and verification (G-code), machine setup and optimization (Fanuc/Haas/Siemens), fixture and tooling management, production scheduling, quality control (GD&T, SPC, CMM), preventive maintenance and staff coaching.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior CNC Operator / Lead Machinist
  • CNC Programmer / CAM Specialist
  • Process or Production Technician with machining emphasis

Advancement To:

  • Production Manager / Shop Supervisor
  • Manufacturing Engineering Lead
  • Plant Manager or Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Process Engineer (CNC-focused)
  • Quality Engineer (metrology/CMM)
  • CAD/CAM Specialist / CNC Programmer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead day-to-day CNC production activities across one or more shifts, including scheduling, assigning operators, verifying work orders, and ensuring machines run to plan to meet weekly and monthly production targets.
  • Develop, test and maintain CNC programs (G-code) and CAM toolpaths using Mastercam, SolidCAM or equivalent; perform first-article program verification and in-process program edits to reduce cycle time and scrap.
  • Set up, tune and optimize CNC mills, lathes, multi-axis machines, and Swiss-type screw machines; perform precise tool offsets, work offsets, and compensation to achieve specified tolerances.
  • Interpret engineering drawings and GD&T specifications to create robust machining processes that consistently meet dimensional and surface finish requirements.
  • Troubleshoot complex machining issues such as chatter, tool breakage, burrs, and dimensional drift using root cause analysis and corrective action plans to prevent recurrence.
  • Implement and enforce process controls and SPC for critical characteristics; analyze control charts and part data to drive continuous improvement and reduce process variation.
  • Oversee tooling and fixture selection, design updates, and life-cycle management — including prescriptive tool replacement, cutter selection, and fixture maintenance to ensure stable production.
  • Manage preventive maintenance and minor repair activities in coordination with maintenance technicians to maximize machine uptime and reduce unplanned downtime.
  • Coach, mentor, and train CNC operators on setup best practices, safe operation, quality inspection techniques, and machine-specific controls (Fanuc, Haas, Siemens).
  • Lead continuous improvement projects (Kaizen, 5S, Lean cell design) focused on cycle-time reduction, scrap reduction, throughput improvement, and cost of goods sold (COGS) reduction.
  • Validate and implement engineering change orders (ECOs) and production change notices (PCNs) into existing machining processes while maintaining traceability and operator work instructions.
  • Coordinate with scheduling, purchasing, and inventory teams to ensure timely availability of raw materials, cutting tools, and fixtures; manage critical spares and tooling budgets.
  • Review and approve first-article inspections and production quality records; ensure compliance with customer specifications and internal quality standards (ISO9001 / AS9100 where applicable).
  • Conduct shift handovers and produce accurate, concise production reports including OEE, scrap logs, downtime analysis, and tool life metrics for managers and stakeholders.
  • Supervise part measurement and inspection activities — calibrate and use micrometers, calipers, CMM, optical comparators and profilometers; ensure inspection plans are followed.
  • Implement and enforce safety standards and PPE requirements in the machining area; conduct safety briefings and incident investigations to reduce workplace hazards.
  • Work directly with design and manufacturing engineering to optimize part manufacturability, recommend design-for-manufacture (DFM) changes, and reduce part complexity and cycle times.
  • Manage subcontract machining and outside processing when capacity or capabilities require outsourcing; qualify vendors and monitor supplier quality and lead times.
  • Maintain production documentation including routings, standard work, setup sheets, tool lists, and CNC program repositories; ensure documentation is updated and accessible.
  • Drive cost-saving initiatives through tooling consolidation, run size optimization, and scrap reduction while tracking cost avoidance and realized savings.
  • Participate in customer and internal audits with documented evidence of process capability studies, FMEAs, and corrective action plans.
  • Support new product introductions (NPI) by developing machining process plans, validating first article parts, and transitioning prototypes into repeatable production processes.
  • Monitor and enforce environmental and regulatory compliance related to coolant management, waste disposal, and chemical handling in the machine shop.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate with ERP/MRP administrators to improve production scheduling logic, work order accuracy, and job routing to reduce lead times and expedite critical parts.
  • Provide production data and analysis (cycle times, throughput, capacity utilization) to manufacturing engineering and leadership for planning and forecasting.
  • Assist continuous improvement teams with data collection for Lean and Six Sigma projects, including value stream mapping and kaizen event facilitation.
  • Support supplier quality initiatives by providing machining expertise during supplier audits, capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and corrective actions.
  • Participate in recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of CNC operators and technicians; contribute to skills matrix and competency assessment programs.
  • Maintain spare tooling and consumables inventory levels and coordinate procurement for long-lead tooling or custom fixtures.
  • Create and update training materials, SOPs, and visual work instructions to improve operator consistency and reduce setup variability.
  • Help manage capital equipment projects — provide input on machine selection, layout planning, ROI estimation, and installation planning.
  • Act as primary contact for technical escalations and cross-functional issue resolution between production, engineering, quality, and customer service.
  • Participate in continuous professional development and recommend training paths for individual team members to close skills gaps.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient CNC programming and editing experience — G-code, conversational controls, and CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidCAM).
  • Hands-on expertise with Fanuc, Haas, Siemens, or Mazak controls including offsets, macro programming, and pallet changer management.
  • Strong blueprint reading, GD&T interpretation, and ability to translate engineering tolerances into inspection criteria and machining steps.
  • Demonstrated experience with milling, turning, multi-axis (3+2 / 4 / 5-axis) machining operations and Swiss or multi-spindle machines as applicable.
  • Metrology and inspection skills — CMM programming/use, micrometers, calipers, height gauges, surface finish measurement, and inspection plan development.
  • Knowledge of SPC (statistical process control), process capability (Cp / Cpk), and data-driven quality improvement methods.
  • Familiarity with CAD/CAM workflows and file management (SolidWorks, AutoCAD), including toolpath verification and collision checks.
  • Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools (5S, Kaizen, SMED) and continuous improvement methodologies; experience leading kaizen events preferred.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems for production scheduling and work order management (e.g., SAP, Epicor, NetSuite, Oracle).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, pivot tables, and basic macros; ability to generate reports and analyze production KPIs.
  • Preventive maintenance planning and basic mechanical troubleshooting for CNC machinery and auxiliary systems.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing standards and certifications (ISO9001, AS9100) and ability to support audit readiness.
  • Tooling and cutting strategy expertise — carbide tooling selection, speeds & feeds optimization, coolant selection, and tool life management.
  • Experience with fixture design, rapid prototyping of fixtures, and clamping strategies to improve part accuracy and throughput.
  • Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations applicable to machining operations and coolant management.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership and people management — ability to coach, mentor, schedule, and motivate a team of CNC operators and technicians.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional coordination with engineering, quality, purchasing, and customers.
  • Problem-solving and analytical mindset — structured approach to root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Time management and prioritization — balance urgent production demands with long-term process improvements.
  • Attention to detail while maintaining a systems-level view of production flow and capacity constraints.
  • Adaptability and decision-making under pressure on the shop floor during tool failures, machine stoppages or short-notice schedule changes.
  • Conflict resolution and stakeholder management skills for escalations involving customers, suppliers or internal teams.
  • Training and coaching ability — develop operator competency matrices, run training sessions, and assess operator certification.
  • Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to influence and drive adoption of Lean practices across the shop floor.
  • Customer-focused orientation — ensure product quality and on-time delivery while communicating status and technical constraints transparently.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma / GED with vocational training or equivalent machining apprenticeship.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or diploma in Manufacturing Technology, Precision Machining, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field.
  • Certifications such as NIMS, IPC, or technical certifications in CNC programming/CAM are advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Precision Machining / Tool and Die
  • Manufacturing Technology / Industrial Maintenance
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • CNC Programming / CAD/CAM

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3–10 years in CNC machining roles, with progressive responsibility.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience and 2+ years in a lead or supervisory role in a production environment.
  • Demonstrated track record in process improvements, programming, setup optimization, and meeting on-time delivery targets.
  • Experience in regulated industries (aerospace, medical device, automotive) preferred where adherence to formal quality systems is required.
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