CNC Production & Estimating Lead

Pen Manufacturing is rebuilding our CNC department and seeking a highly capable CNC Production & Estimating Lead who can run work, quote jobs, and help define process until the department is firing on all cylinders.

This is not a typical machine operator role. You will be expected to:

• Program and run CNC machines
• Quote jobs accurately and competitively
• Help rebuild and standardize CNC processes
• Advise on tooling, fixturing, and potential machine upgrades
• Train and support operators as volume grows

If you are the hands-on technical professional who enjoys both the machine shop floor and the strategy behind quoting and process improvement, this position is built for you.

Key Responsibilities

Machine Operations & Programming
• Program, set up, and run CNC mills and lathes
• Ensure parts are produced to spec and quality standards
• Troubleshoot tooling, feeds/speeds, and fixturing

Estimating & Quoting
• Review prints and create accurate machine time estimates
• Prepare cost-based quotes for CNC work
• Collaborate with sales and engineering to price jobs competitively

Process Development & Leadership
• Help define standard work and best practices
• Recommend tooling, software, and machine upgrades
• Support training of additional operators as volume increases
• Act as technical lead for the CNC department

Ideal Background

• 5+ years CNC experience, including programming + set up (G-code, CAM) [A must]
• Comfortable quoting jobs and estimating machine time
• Experience with a mix of mills/lathes, and familiarity with CAM tools
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Experience with tooling selection, fixturing, and setup best practices
• Bonus: experience with manufacturing quoting tools or ERP integration
• Bonus: experience with machine upgrades or shop rebuilds

This role needs someone who can do, teach, and improve.

Compensation

• Competitive base salary (please include your expected range when applying)
• Performance bonus tied to throughput improvement and quoting accuracy
• Opportunity for expanded leadership responsibilities as CNC department grows

Why This Role Matters

You won’t be a number. You will:

• Be central to rebuilding CNC capacity
• Shape how we quote, price, and deliver CNC work
• Influence decisions about tooling and machine investments
• Train and lead future CNC talent