About the role
Pay: $32.00 to $45.00 per hour
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.