Lead Lathe Machinist

Menomonie, WI

Full Time

MWI

Experienced

About Prototek
Prototek is a leading national provider of digital based manufacturing services including CNC machining, precision sheet metal fabrication, EDM, and additive manufacturing services. Prototek serves a variety of customer end markets, including aerospace, defense, medical, robotics, electronics, consumer, and general industrial. Prototek has manufacturing locations across the United States including facilities in New Hampshire, Wisconsin, California, and Pennsylvania. Prototek is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D:2016 certified as well as ITAR Registered. For more information, visit www.prototek.com.

Job Summary
The Lead Lathe Machinist works in partnership with the Production Manager to oversee workloads and machining priorities specific to the lathe team. This position provides daily guidance, mentorship, and technical training to lathe machinists, applying strong problem-solving skills to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and departmental goals are consistently met. In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Lead Lathe Machinist actively contributes as a hands-on machinist, utilizing advanced lathe programming, setup, and machining techniques to produce high-precision parts. Success in this role requires clear communication, strong technical expertise, and the ability to positively influence and support team members in a collaborative work environment.

Essential Functions
Lead Responsibilities:

Coordinate daily lathe production needs with the supervisor and help establish machining priorities specific to lathe operations.
Identify and communicate lathe production challenges, successes, and workload status to ensure efficient workflow.
Use sound judgment to make informed decisions related to lathe machining, production schedules, quality, and cost control.
Monitor and assist in overseeing labor data in the ERP system for lathe team members.
Train, coach, and mentor new and existing lathe machinists on department operations, setup procedures, programming, and best practices.
Act as a primary technical resource, providing guidance and solutions to less experienced lathe machinists.
Collaborate with Project Managers to provide accurate time and material estimates for lathe machining in support of quoting.
Work with vendor representatives to maintain lathe tools, chucks, collets, equipment, and supplies.
Research, recommend, and support the purchase of lathe-related tooling and equipment.
Lead and participate in process improvement initiatives focused on increasing efficiency, accuracy, and throughput of lathe machining operations.

Machinist Responsibilities:

Read and interpret prints, specification sheets, and/or 3D files to determine proper lathe program strategy.
Select appropriate lathe machines based on project specifications and requirements.
Open, prepare, and post programs to lathe machines using Surfcam, Mastercam, or similar CAM systems; modify existing programs to optimize cycle times and tool life.
Select and set up proper cutting tools, inserts, and holders needed for turning, boring, threading, and other lathe operations.
Design or recommend custom fixtures and soft jaws for effective work holding.
Calculate cutting speeds, feeds, and depth of cuts specific to lathe operations, considering material type and tooling.
Select, prepare, and stage raw materials for lathe machining jobs.
Set up and operate multiple CNC lathes to complete production and prototype parts per specifications.
Perform dimensional and visual inspections of turned parts using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and other precision measuring tools.
Track and record individual labor and machine time in the ERP system.
Collaborate with team members to clarify project requirements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure alignment on job priorities.
Provide technical assistance, advice, or solutions in lathe machining for less experienced machinists.
Perform routine cleaning, preventative maintenance, and light repairs on lathe machines and associated tooling.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
Wear PPE as required.
Other duties as assigned.

Technical Competencies

Proficient knowledge of print reading.
Proficient knowledge of CNC machining procedures, high tolerance machining, and geometric dimensioning.
Proficient knowledge of 2D and 3D programming.
Proficient knowledge of lathe concepts; proficient knowledge required if operating lathe consistently.
Proficient knowledge of material properties.
Proficient knowledge of custom fixturing techniques.
Proficient knowledge of shop mechanics, mathematics, and measurement.
Proficient knowledge of commonly used hand and power tools.
Basic knowledge of the ISO 9001 standards.
Proficient computer literacy, including Surfcam and/or MasterCAM, and ERP.

Behavioral Competencies

Demonstrate leadership by approaching work positively, influencing, and guiding colleagues, and accepting accountability.
Demonstrate motivation and accountability to achieve individual and department goals; work effectively under pressure with limited supervision.
Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills to tactfully collaborate with team members
Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple high complexity projects in a cross-functional environment.
Grasp complex concepts, anticipate possible problems, and generate solutions with high-level problem-solving skills.
Exercise sound judgment in ambiguous situations when time is critical; show willingness to offer expert knowledge and insight to develop colleagues.
Ability to respond and adapt quickly to changing circumstances and facility needs.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to effectively produce high quality parts.
Demonstrates teamwork by sharing knowledge and offering assistance.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma required.
2+ year Machining Degree preferred.
1+ years of machining and programming experience with Prototek preferred.

Physical Requirements & Professional Experience:

Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to use hands and fingers to operate computers, equipment, hand/power tools, etc., and handle and feel parts of various sizes.
Ability to bend, kneel, and crouch occasionally throughout shift.
Ability to push, pull or lift up to 50 lbs. moderately throughout workday, occasionally 50+ lbs. with a team lift.
Ability to focus vision with or without visual aids.
Noise conditions can be moderate to extreme, ear protection required and provided.
Work environment exposures include fumes or airborne particles (PPE available upon request) and moving mechanical parts and vibration.

Work Hours/Travel:

1st shift work schedule, Monday – Friday.
Overtime as necessary.
Remote work not available.
No travel required.

What Prototek Offers:

Career advancement opportunities
Flexible Schedule
Competitive pay scale
Paid time off (PTO) starting at 80 hours with annual increase for each year of service
9 paid Holidays annually
Education reimbursement program
Health, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance
Company paid life and long-term disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
401(k) match: 100% of 3% and 50% for 4% and 5%

Additional Information:
Prototek maintains International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) compliant operations in United States based facilities. This position is subject to ITAR which requires U.S. Person status. ITAR defines U.S. Person as U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, or foreign nationals granted refugee or asylee status.

Apply TODAY! We look forward to meeting you!

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Lead Lathe Machinist

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