Lead Machinist - Hollywood, FL

Aircraft Technology, Inc., (ATI), a subsidiary of HEICO Corporation, is an FAA/EASA Part 145 Repair Station. ATI supports a wide range of rotary and fixed wing components found on both commercial and military platforms around the world.

ROLE: The Lead Machinist Operator plays a critical leadership role within the production floor, responsible for supervising and guiding a team of machinists and production staff in the repair of aviation components. This role combines hands-on machining expertise with leadership and coordination responsibilities to ensure that safety, quality, and efficiency standards are met. The Lead Machinist serves as a key point of contact between the shop floor and management, driving continuous improvement, maintaining workflow, and ensuring that all operations align with industry and company requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Set up, operate, and oversee production machinery to repair aviation components, ensuring precision and adherence to specifications.
• Measure dimensions of finished workpieces using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures to ensure conformance to aviation standards and specifications.
• Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines using hand tools and precision measuring instruments, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Perform general bench skills, including using hand-held power tools, filing, assembly, and disassembly of components.
• Lift and position workpieces on machines manually or using hoists and cranes.
• Calculate machine speed and feed ratios, as well as the size and position of cuts, ensuring optimal machining results.
• Set up and operate various machine types, including but not limited to Vertical Turret Lathes (VTL), Horizontal Boring Mills (HBM), Vertical Grinders, Horizontal Grinders, and Horizontal Engine Lathes.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of shop employees to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of production goals.
• Monitor production processes and ensure that all products meet quality specifications and safety standards.
• Train and mentor team members, providing guidance on technical tasks and promoting a positive work environment.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and collaborate with maintenance personnel to minimize downtime.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and propose changes to enhance productivity.
• Ensure all safety protocols and regulations are strictly followed to maintain a safe working environment.
• Maintain accurate records of production activities.
• Communicate with management and other departments to address production needs and resolve any operational challenges.
• Perform regular inspections of machinery and equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Lead by example in promoting teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the shop.
• Perform other related duties as required by the production manager

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervise a team of shop floor employees, including machinists, assemblers, and other production staff.
• Assign tasks and monitor employee performance to ensure efficiency and adherence to production schedules.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to promote professional development and continuous improvement.
• Enforce company policies and procedures while addressing any disciplinary or performance-related issues.
• Ensure that all team members follow safety guidelines and operational protocols.
• Provide training, support, and mentoring to team members, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Act as the primary point of contact between shop employees and upper management, ensuring effective communication and resolution of any issues.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or technical certification in production operation, engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Additional training or coursework in leadership, supervision, or production management is a plus.
• Relevant work experience in a manufacturing or production environment may be considered in lieu of formal education.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 7 years of experience as a machinist, with at least 5 years in a lead or supervisory role within the aviation industry.
• Proven experience in overseeing the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of complex machining processes, with a focus on aviation components.
• Demonstrated ability to uphold and enforce aviation industry standards and quality expectations, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and AS9100 or similar aerospace standards.
• Proven track record of overseeing production teams and ensuring the timely completion of projects.
• Experience with production machinery, troubleshooting equipment issues, and maintaining high-quality standards.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and regulations within a shop or manufacturing setting.
• Previous experience implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Familiarity with reading technical drawings, blueprints, or specifications relevant to the production process.
• Experience in mentoring junior machinists and driving continuous improvement in machining practices and operational efficiency.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• May be required to meet certain certifications in the field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES

• Language: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Computer Skills: Basic knowledge.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to use basic shop math.
• Reasoning Abilities: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to use equipment and tools properly and safely.
• Technical Abilities: Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, squat, use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. May work with toxic or caustic chemicals

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and sometimes excessive. Examples: metal can manufacturing department, large earth-moving equipment)