Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Head Machinist

💰 $75,000 - $120,000+ Annually (DOE)

ManufacturingSkilled TradesEngineeringLeadership

🎯 Role Definition

As our Head Machinist, you will be the cornerstone of our machine shop operations, blending expert-level technical skill with strong leadership. You are responsible for guiding a talented team of machinists, overseeing the entire production lifecycle from programming to final inspection, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This pivotal role ensures that all components are manufactured to exacting specifications, meeting critical deadlines and upholding our commitment to quality. You will serve as the primary technical authority, problem-solver, and mentor within the department, shaping the capabilities and culture of our manufacturing floor.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior CNC Machinist
  • CNC Programmer / Machinist
  • Tool and Die Maker

Advancement To:

  • Machine Shop Manager
  • Manufacturing Supervisor
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Manufacturing Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee and coordinate all daily activities of the machine shop, including scheduling, workflow management, and personnel allocation to meet demanding production targets and deadlines.
  • Provide direct leadership, hands-on training, and technical mentorship to a team of CNC and manual machinists, fostering a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous learning.
  • Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, 3D models, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to determine machining strategies and inspection protocols.
  • Develop, write, and optimize CNC programs for multi-axis mills and lathes using CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360) to improve cycle times, tool life, and part quality.
  • Execute complex machine setups, including tool selection, fixture design, and work-holding solutions for both prototype and production runs.
  • Operate a wide range of advanced CNC and manual machine tools, demonstrating expert proficiency in producing components with extremely tight tolerances.
  • Perform and validate first-article, in-process, and final inspections using precision metrology instruments such as CMMs, micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and optical comparators.
  • Act as the lead troubleshooter for all machining-related challenges, diagnosing and resolving issues with machinery, tooling, programming, and materials to minimize downtime.
  • Collaborate closely with engineering and design teams on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews to provide critical feedback for new product development and revisions.
  • Manage the procurement and inventory of raw materials, cutting tools, fixtures, and other shop supplies, ensuring cost-effectiveness and operational readiness.
  • Champion and enforce all safety regulations and company policies, maintaining a pristine, organized, and hazard-free work environment based on 5S principles.
  • Develop and oversee a robust preventive maintenance program for all shop equipment, ensuring maximum uptime, reliability, and machine longevity.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives by applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to streamline processes and eliminate waste.
  • Establish and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for machining processes, quality checks, and equipment setup to ensure consistency and repeatability.
  • Lead the estimation and quoting process for new projects, accurately calculating cycle times, material usage, and labor costs.
  • Ensure all finished components strictly adhere to customer specifications and our internal quality standards before being released from the department.
  • Investigate the root cause of any non-conformances or quality deviations and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Manage and prioritize competing workloads and projects, effectively communicating status updates to management and relevant stakeholders.
  • Evaluate and recommend emerging machining technologies, software, and capital equipment to enhance the shop's capabilities and competitive edge.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations, set clear goals, and identify professional development opportunities for all machine shop personnel.

Secondary Functions

  • Analyze production metrics and machine performance data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for process optimization.
  • Contribute to the organization's strategic planning for capital equipment investments and technology roadmap.
  • Collaborate with the supply chain team to qualify new material suppliers and tooling vendors, ensuring they meet our quality and performance standards.
  • Participate in cross-functional project teams to support broader company goals and product launches.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced CNC Programming: Expert-level proficiency in G-code and M-code, with extensive experience using CAM software (Mastercam, SolidWorks CAM, GibbsCAM, etc.).
  • Complex Machine Operation: Hands-on mastery of setting up and operating multi-axis (3, 4, and 5-axis) CNC milling centers, lathes, and manual machinery.
  • Blueprint & GD&T Interpretation: Ability to read and precisely interpret complex engineering drawings and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standards.
  • Precision Metrology: Skilled in using and calibrating a wide range of inspection tools, including Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), micrometers, calipers, and vision systems.
  • Tooling & Fixturing: Deep knowledge of cutting tool selection, speeds and feeds optimization, and the design/fabrication of custom work-holding fixtures.
  • Materials Science: Comprehensive understanding of the machinability of various materials, including stainless steels, titanium, aluminum alloys, and engineering plastics.
  • Lean Manufacturing Principles: Proven experience applying concepts like 5S, Kaizen, and waste reduction to improve shop floor efficiency.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Systematic approach to problem-solving and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to inspire, train, and develop a high-performing technical team.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with engineers, management, and shop floor staff.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Innate ability to diagnose complex technical issues and develop innovative solutions under pressure.
  • Unwavering Attention to Detail: A commitment to precision and quality that is second to none.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Safety-First Mindset: A proactive and disciplined approach to ensuring a safe workplace for the entire team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Completion of a formal machinist apprenticeship program or equivalent vocational/technical certification.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree in Machine Tool Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 10-15+ years of progressive experience in a precision machining environment.

Preferred:

  • A minimum of 5 years in a formal leadership, supervisory, or lead machinist role, with direct responsibility for mentoring and managing other machinists.
  • Demonstrable experience in both high-mix/low-volume (prototyping, R&D) and production machining environments.
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