Lead CNC Machinist / Shop Lead Machinist – Prototyping & 5-Axis Milling

🔎 At a Glance

Company: Gremlin Works LLC
Location: Faber, VA (near Charlottesville, Scottsville, and Lovingston)
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $35–$45 per hour (based on experience)
Shift: Day Shift | Typically 40+ hours per week
Overtime: Yes – project-based, typically 45–50 hours during busy periods
Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5+ years)
Work Authorization: U.S. Citizen Required

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Why This Role Exists

Gremlin Works is growing its rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing capabilities across the aerospace, defense, energy, and semiconductor industries. As customer demand continues to increase, we're looking for a skilled machinist who can bridge the gap between programming and production by taking proven NC programs and turning them into safe, repeatable, shop-floor success.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys solving complex machining challenges, proving out new parts, improving processes, and helping build a world-class machining operation.

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What You'll Be Doing

In this role, you'll be responsible for turning complex CNC programs into successful production processes while supporting a fast-paced prototyping environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, prove out, and execute CNC milling programs developed by dedicated CNC programmers
• Lead first-article builds, prototype machining, and complex setup activities
• Prepare and troubleshoot tooling, fixtures, workholding, and machine setups
• Operate and optimize 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling equipment
• Manage small and medium production runs while maintaining quality and repeatability
• Perform first-article and in-process inspection using precision measurement equipment
• Identify and solve machining issues including chatter, tool wear, dimensional drift, workholding instability, and surface finish concerns
• Collaborate closely with programmers to improve programs and machining strategies
• Support and mentor other machinists while helping establish best practices throughout the shop
• Assist with preventative maintenance, shop organization, and continuous improvement initiatives

Because Gremlin Works is a growing company, you'll also have opportunities to contribute beyond machining and play a meaningful role in shaping future shop operations.

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Machines, Controls & Software

You'll work with equipment and technology including:

Machines

• 3-Axis CNC Mills
• 4-Axis CNC Mills
• 5-Axis CNC Mills
• Large-format CNC equipment (varies by project)

Controls

• Fanuc
• Haas
• Mazak

CAM Software

• Siemens NX (preferred)
• Autodesk Fusion
• Autodesk Inventor

Inspection Equipment

• Calipers
• Micrometers
• Indicators
• First Article Inspection tools
• GD&T-based inspection methods

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Materials You'll Work With

• Aluminum
• Stainless Steel
• Alloy Steels
• Tool Steels
• Aerospace Alloys
• Prototype and specialty materials

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What We're Looking For

Required

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience
• Strong CNC milling setup and troubleshooting experience
• Experience proving out new programs and processes
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and GD&T
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, tooling, feeds, speeds, and workholding
• Experience performing first-article and in-process inspections
• Ability to read and understand G-code
• Strong problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude
• Ability to work independently in a high-mix manufacturing environment

Preferred

• 4-axis and 5-axis machining experience
• Prototype or contract manufacturing experience
• Offline CAM programming experience
• Siemens NX, Fusion 360, or Inventor experience
• Mill-turn experience
• Advanced fixturing experience
• Machine maintenance and repair experience
• CAD experience

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Why Machinists Like Working Here

Machinists choose Gremlin Works because:

• Every week brings new projects and new challenges
• High-mix prototyping means you'll never be stuck making the same part all day
• Small-team environment where your input matters
• Direct collaboration with ownership and programmers
• Modern CNC technology and advanced machining work
• Opportunities to grow into leadership, programming, and operational roles
• Fast-growing company with significant advancement potential

If you're looking for a place where your machining knowledge has a direct impact on company success, Gremlin Works offers an opportunity that's difficult to find in larger manufacturing

organizations.

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Pay, Benefits & Schedule

Pay Range

$35–$45 per hour (DOE)

Benefits

• Health insurance plans available
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Performance-based bonuses
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• Opportunities for advancement and rapid skill development

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Generally 40+ hours per week
• Typical workload ranges from 40–50 hours based on project demand
• Occasional weekend work may be required

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Apply

Interested machinists can apply directly through hireCNC.

👉 Apply Now or Save This Job to come back later.