The Senior Machinist is responsible for the leadership, control, and continuous improvement of all CNC machining operations. This role serves as the technical authority for CNC programming, setup, machining processes, and tooling strategy, while ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
In addition to performing advanced machining duties, the Senior Machinist manages workflow, drives process optimization, and mentors team members. This position plays a critical role in achieving production targets, reducing scrap, improving cycle times, and maintaining machining excellence in an oil and gas manufacturing environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
CNC Machining and Operational Leadership
- Lead and take full ownership of CNC lathe and/or CNC mill operations, including machine performance, part quality, and production output
- Set up, operate, optimize, and maintain CNC machines for complex and high-precision machining
- Establish, validate, and improve machining processes to ensure repeatability, efficiency, and quality
- Monitor machine performance and proactively address inefficiencies, deviations, or risks
- Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and process issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions
- Ensure all operations are performed safely and in compliance with company and industry standards
- Prevent damage to machines, tooling, and parts through proactive monitoring and intervention
Programming, Tooling, and Process Control
- Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs to support production and improve machining efficiency
- Define machining strategies including cutting parameters, tool paths, and cycle time optimization
- Select, manage, and optimize cutting tools, inserts, fixtures, and workholding solutions
- Perform and oversee tool wear offsets, insert changes, and tool life management strategies
- Review and interpret complex drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications to determine machining requirements
- Support and lead troubleshooting of CNC programs, setups, and machining processes across operations
Quality and Continuous Improvement
- Ensure all components meet required tolerances and specifications through in-process and final inspections
- Use precision measuring instruments to validate part quality and ensure compliance
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for non-conforming parts and machining issues
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, improving efficiency, and enhancing product quality
- Establish and maintain standardized machining practices and documentation
Material and Production Management
- Oversee material control and workflow, ensuring accuracy and proper handling
- Monitor and drive production schedules, output targets, and operational efficiency
- Coordinate with Quality Control and other departments to resolve production and quality issues
- Ensure proper staging, identification, and flow of materials and finished components
Leadership, Mentorship, and Training
- Act as the hands on primary technical leader for the CNC machining department
- Mentor, train, and develop machinists and operators in CNC programming, setup, and machining best practices
- Support onboarding and cross-training to build team capability and flexibility
- Promote accountability, teamwork, and a strong safety culture
- Guide team efforts to maximize productivity, efficiency, and quality outcomes
Communication and Operational Oversight
- Communicate production status, challenges, and performance metrics to management
- Escalate recurring or critical issues and recommend process or tooling improvements
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams on process development and optimization
- Support implementation of continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives
Skills and Experience
- Extensive experience in CNC machining, including programming, setup, operation, and process optimization
- Proven expertise in CNC lathe and/or CNC mill operations in a production environment
- Strong background in tooling selection, machining strategy, and cycle time improvement
- Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, or supervisory experience in a machining environment
- Advanced ability to troubleshoot machining, tooling, and process-related issues
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex blueprints and technical drawings
- Skilled in the use of precision measuring and inspection equipment
- Experience working with tight tolerances and complex geometries
- Oil and gas machining experience is required
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- High attention to detail with a strong commitment to safety and quality
- Ability to safely handle materials and equipment up to 23 kg (50 lbs)
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $35.00-$48.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
