CNC Lead Machinist – Second Shift

🔎 At a glance

Company: Custom Design Components
Location: Howard City, Michigan
Job Type: Full-Time
Shift: Second Shift
Experience: CNC machining and manufacturing leadership experience required
Machines: CNC Mills • CNC Lathes • Manual Machines
Reports To: Production Manager
Direct Reports: Machinists

👍 Why join Custom Design Components?

Custom Design Components is looking for a hands-on CNC Lead Machinist to lead its second-shift machining team in Howard City, Michigan.

This is not a desk-only supervisory position. You will work directly with machinists on the shop floor, help resolve production and quality issues, support setups and machine operation, and keep projects moving according to schedule.

Custom Design Components has manufactured hydraulic manifolds and precision components since 1993. The family-owned company supports applications across agriculture, construction, industrial equipment, military, and medical markets.

The right candidate will bring strong CNC machining knowledge along with the ability to train employees, address performance concerns, improve processes, and maintain a productive and professional shop environment.

⚙️ What you’ll be doing

Machining and technical support

• Set up and operate CNC and manual machine tools as needed
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and job specifications
• Select appropriate tooling and help troubleshoot machining problems
• Inspect completed parts using precision measuring instruments
• Verify that finished components meet dimensional and quality requirements
• Support routine machine and tooling maintenance
• Help resolve production obstacles and reduce rework

Team leadership

• Lead and support machinists working on second shift
• Monitor shop-floor productivity and address performance concerns
• Train and cross-train employees on machining processes and responsibilities
• Recognize strong performers and provide direct coaching where improvement is needed
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and high morale
• Manage employee schedules and vacation requests
• Maintain clear communication with the Production Manager and leadership team
• Ensure employees follow company safety, quality, and housekeeping standards

Production and shop management

• Understand the scope, schedule, and requirements of active projects
• Identify production risks and develop practical solutions
• Work with the Production Manager to confirm shop capabilities and priorities
• Investigate recurring issues and implement lasting corrective actions
• Coordinate preventative maintenance during available machine downtime
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe manufacturing environment
• Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the shop

🛠️ Machines, tools & systems

This position requires experience working with:

• CNC milling machines
• CNC lathes
• Manual machine tools
• Precision measuring equipment
• Calipers, micrometers, gauges, and related inspection tools
• Production planning and project management systems
• ERP software
• Microsoft Word and Excel

Specific CNC machine brands and controls were not provided.

⭐ Shop highlights

• Family-owned manufacturer founded in 1993
• Hands-on leadership role with direct reports
• Custom and standard hydraulic manifold manufacturing
• CNC milling and turning capabilities
• Prototype through production-volume work
• Strong emphasis on clean, burr-free components
• Opportunities to improve processes and develop employees
• Down-to-earth, team-oriented work environment
• Company investment in employee training
• Long-term manufacturing operation in Howard City

✅ What we’re looking for

Required

• Strong experience setting up and operating CNC machine tools
• Experience with manual machining equipment
• Previous experience as a production lead, machining lead, or similar manufacturing leader
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical specifications
• Strong tooling and machining-process knowledge
• Experience using precision measuring instruments
• Understanding of material grades and machinability
• Ability to troubleshoot practical machining and production problems
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to coach employees and address performance or quality concerns
• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement
• Basic proficiency with Word, Excel, ERP, and production-planning software

Preferred

• Experience leading machinists in a production environment
• Background in hydraulic manifold or fluid-power component manufacturing
• Experience coordinating preventative maintenance
• Experience with production scheduling and capacity planning
• Demonstrated success improving productivity and reducing rework

👍 Why you’ll like working here

Custom Design Components offers the opportunity to stay involved in machining while taking responsibility for the performance of an entire shift.

You will have the authority to coach employees, improve processes, address production problems, and help build a stronger machining team. The company values employees who are dedicated, driven, trustworthy, and willing to take ownership of their work.

💰 Pay, benefits & schedule

Pay: Not provided
Schedule: Full-time, second shift; exact hours not provided

Benefits include:

• Health insurance after 90 days
• IRA retirement plan with company matching contributions
• Paid vacation with additional time based on years of service
• Free gym membership
• Paid holidays
• Company outings
• Time off for special occasions, including hunting season
• Work-life balance initiatives

🏭 About Custom Design Components

Custom Design Components is a family-owned hydraulic manifold manufacturer based in Howard City, Michigan. Founded in 1993, the company manufactures custom and standard hydraulic manifolds along with CNC-turned components for distributors and customers across several industries.

Its capabilities include custom manifold design, CNC milling, CNC turning, quality assurance, thermal deburring, custom scribing, anodizing, plating, and inventory support. The company serves applications in agriculture, construction, industrial equipment, military, medical, and other demanding markets.

Custom Design Components takes pride in producing clean, burr-free components and delivering reliable products on schedule. Its culture is built around three core values: dedicated, driven, and trustworthy.

🚀 Apply today

If you are an experienced CNC machinist ready to lead a second-shift team while remaining actively involved on the shop floor, apply today through hireCNC.