CNC Machine Operator Lead - 1st Shift

Job Description

About Us:

Panelmatic, Inc. was founded in 1957 in Youngstown, OH to serve manufacturing industries with the design and build of custom electrical, instrument, and pneumatic control panels. Our business has sufficiently grown over the years to support expansion for our clients. We have produced control packages for many of America's top corporations in the chemical, environmental, food, pulp and paper, rubber, petroleum, pharmaceutical, glass, metals, and utilities industries. We also deliver equipment for use worldwide. Our rigorous methodology assures compliance with domestic and international standards. We can meet the needs of our diverse clientele from start to finish through sales, design, fabrication, testing, and delivery.

Since 1957, we have been known for our high-quality, custom-built control packages, our comprehensive service, and our technological and manufacturing expertise. This expertise assures you of our ability to handle the largest and most complex packages quickly and efficiently.

Job Summary:

Panelmatic is seeking an experienced CNC Machine Operator Lead to provide hands-on leadership and technical support within our fabrication department. The CNC Machine Operator Lead is responsible for operating, setting up, and maintaining CNC equipment while supporting daily workflow, training team members, and ensuring sheet metal components are produced accurately and efficiently.

This role will serve as a technical resource for CNC operations, assisting with troubleshooting, process improvements, quality checks, and production priorities. The ideal candidate will have strong CNC machining experience, the ability to read blueprints and schematics, and a commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork in a custom manufacturing environment.

Job Duties:

Provide daily guidance and support to CNC Machine Operators and fabrication team members

Assist with coordinating workflow, prioritizing jobs, and communicating production needs to department leadership

Set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC machinery used to produce sheet metal components and assemblies

Load and unload raw materials, fixtures, and tooling while ensuring proper machine setup

Program, edit, and adjust CNC machine settings to meet job requirements and production specifications

Review blueprints, work orders, schematics, and fabrication drawings to determine required processes and dimensions

Select appropriate materials based on job specifications, strength requirements, and fabrication needs

Set up and align sheet metal parts for CNC operations and final fabrication assembly

Operate fabrication equipment including CNC machines, brakes, shears, and other metalworking equipment

Cut, bend, punch, and shape sheet metal components according to specifications

Verify dimensions and quality of completed parts using measuring tools such as calipers, squares, rulers, and measuring tapes

Perform quality checks to ensure parts meet blueprint requirements and notify inspectors or leadership when products are ready for review

Troubleshoot machine issues, tooling concerns, and production challenges to minimize downtime

Assist with equipment startups, shutdowns, and changeovers as required

Train and mentor CNC operators on safe machine operation, setup procedures, and quality expectations

Maintain accurate production records, job documentation, and repair notes

Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and inspections on CNC equipment

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment

Ensure tools, equipment, and materials are properly stored after use

Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity

Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

3+ years of CNC machine operation experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment

Previous lead, trainer, or senior operator experience preferred

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings

Experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting CNC equipment

Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes including cutting, bending, punching, and forming

Ability to use precision measuring tools and verify dimensional accuracy

Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills

Ability to train and support team members in a production environment

Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality workmanship

Ability to work independently while supporting team production goals

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with CNC press brakes, punches, shears, or sheet metal fabrication equipment

Experience with CNC programming or machine code adjustments

Experience in custom manufacturing, metal enclosures, or control panel fabrication

Familiarity with quality inspection processes and production documentation

Experience working with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, HSA, term life, AD&D, STD, LTD

100% medical premium paid for by Panelmatic for the employee-only level medical coverage

80% paid for by Panelmatic and 20% paid for by the employee on all other level medical coverage (ie employee plus child, employee plus spouse, family)

401(k) contributions matched 100% up to 4%

Scholarships, educational reimbursement, paid volunteerism, and paid personal and professional development provided

PTO and paid holidays provided

Career advancement opportunities

Competitive wages

Family-friendly environment with average employee tenure above five years

Full-time