Lead Lathe Machinist

Not Interested
Bookmark
Report This Job

profile Job Location:

Menomonie, WI - USA

profile Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed
Posted on: 12-09-2025
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 includingfacilities in New Hampshire Wisconsin California and Pennsylvania. Prototek is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D:2016 certified as well as ITAR more information visit.


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 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!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer making decisions without regard to race color religion sex national origin sexual orientation gender gender identity veteran status disability or any other protected class.

EEO is The Law - click here for more information: endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process please contact or email us: . You may also write to us and we will be happy to assist you with the application: Prototek 205 Pine St. Hopkinton NH 03229


Required Experience:

Senior IC

About PrototekPrototek 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 ...
View more view more

Key Skills

  • Electrical Discharge Machining
  • Calipers
  • FANUC
  • CNC Milling Machine
  • Machining
  • Tooling
  • CNC
  • CAM Programming
  • CNC Lathe
  • Micrometer
  • Precision Measuring Instruments
  • Trigonometry

About Company

Company Logo

Prototek digital manufacturing proudly offers our clients a one-stop shop for on-demand additive, CNC, and sheet metal fabrication.

View Profile View Profile