CNC Lead Machinist – Milling | $1,500 Sign-On Bonus

Description

Join the PacAero Team! 

PacAero Agawam (formerly Litron) is a precision manufacturer serving the aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial markets. Our Agawam facility specializes in precision CNC machining, RF/microwave package integration, laser welding, and advanced manufacturing for highly demanding applications.

We are looking for an experienced CNC Lead who knows milling machining, understands setups, and can be the go-to technical resource on the shop floor.

This is a hands-on working lead position — not a desk job and not a formal people-manager role. You'll work alongside our CNC team, help coordinate daily priorities, support complex setups and troubleshooting, mentor machinists, and keep work moving safely, efficiently, and to our quality standards.

Strong CNC milling setup experience is highly preferred.

This position located in Agawam, MA and is onsite, full-time days, Monday through Friday.

Why Work at PacAero?

 Great work should come with great perks. Here are a few of ours: 

• $1,500 Sign-On Bonus
• Monthly Bonus Opportunity
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Separate Paid Sick Time
• Paid Holidays - including your birthday!
• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
• 401(k) with 4% Company Match
• Company-Paid Life, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• A Team That Works Hard and Celebrates Wins 

Requirements

CNC Setup, Operation & Troubleshooting

• Perform and support CNC milling setups, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machines
• Conduct first-piece prove-outs and support first-piece inspections
• Verify tooling, offsets, fixtures, workholding, and setup accuracy prior to production runs
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, setup, and process issues to keep production moving
• Support machine changeovers and setup adjustments as needed
• Operate CNC equipment and produce quality parts to specification
• Read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, setup sheets, and machining documentation
• Assist machinists with complex setups and technical machining issues
• Help identify opportunities to reduce setup time, scrap, rework, and machine downtime

Team & Production Support

• Provide day-to-day technical direction and support to CNC machinists
• Help coordinate machine assignments, job priorities, and workflow based on direction from the Machine Shop Manager
• Serve as a go-to resource for machining and setup questions on the floor
• Mentor and coach machinists on setups, tooling, machining techniques, and best practices
• Support the training and development of new and less-experienced machinists
• Reinforce established machining processes, work instructions, safety requirements, and quality expectations
• Communicate production constraints, machining issues, and resource needs to the Machine Shop Manager
• Lead by example and promote teamwork, accountability, and a strong shop-floor culture

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure machining activities comply with PacAero quality standards and customer requirements
• Verify parts meet blueprint, GD&T, dimensional, and tolerance requirements
• Perform in-process inspections and support First Article activities as needed
• Identify and communicate quality concerns, nonconformances, or machining issues promptly
• Work collaboratively with Quality and Engineering to resolve technical and production issues
• Follow all company quality, safety, and operational procedures

Process & Operational Support

• Help maintain efficient workflow and machine utilization throughout the shift
• Ensure tooling, fixtures, programs, and materials are prepared for scheduled work
• Support setup consistency and standardized machining practices
• Identify opportunities to improve cycle times, setups, tooling, and overall throughput
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean and 5S efforts
• Support production priorities and help remove obstacles that could impact delivery

Workplace Standards

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machining environment
• Support 5S, workplace organization, and housekeeping standards
• Promote safe machining practices and proper use of equipment and tooling
• Work collaboratively with machinists, supervisors, Quality, Engineering, and other departments
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training preferred
• Minimum 5 years of CNC milling experience in aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing
• Strong hands-on CNC milling knowledge and machining fundamentals
• Experience with multi-axis CNC milling equipment
• Advanced ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and tight tolerances
• Experience with CNC controls such as Haas, Okuma, or similar
• Strong troubleshooting and machining problem-solving skills
• Ability to provide technical direction and effectively support other machinists

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong CNC setup experience, including independently setting up milling jobs
• Experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling
• Previous Lead Machinist, CNC Lead, or informal shop-floor leadership experience
• Experience with Mastercam or other CAM software
• Familiarity with AS9100 and aerospace quality standards
• Experience supporting First Article Inspection requirements
• Experience in a setup-focused CNC machining role

Skills & Competencies

• Strong CNC machining and setup expertise
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
• Ability to diagnose machining problems and help develop practical solutions
• Ability to provide clear technical direction and communicate effectively with others
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality
• Ability to organize work and manage changing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Dependable, team-oriented, and safety-focused
• Ability to lead by example without formal supervisory authority

Compensation & Benefits

The pay range listed for this position represents a good-faith estimate based on the role, internal equity, market data, and geographic location. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, education, and internal pay alignment.

PacAero offers a competitive compensation package along with a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, and paid holidays.

Benefits are available on the first of the month following date of hire, in accordance with plan terms.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to typical machine-shop noise, coolants, and metal chips

Regular standing, walking, and handling of parts and tooling throughout the shift

Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation

Overtime or schedule flexibility may occasionally be required based on production needs

Export Control Requirements

This position is subject to U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR. Employment may be contingent upon the candidate's ability to comply with applicable export control laws and company policies.

If you're an experienced CNC machinist who enjoys solving problems, helping others, and being the person the team can count on when a job gets challenging, we'd like to hear from you.