About Wisconsin Ordnance Works
Wisconsin Ordnance Works is a small-business defense manufacturer producing precision machined and fabricated components for the Defense Logistics Agency and major defense primes, in alloy steel, titanium, aluminum, and other materials. We operate under AS9100D / ISO 9001:2015, ITAR/EAR, and CMMC Level 2. Our parts go on vehicles and systems the warfighter depends on, and our customers hold us to that standard.
Our values
- We Care. This is not just our "job"—this is an all-encompassing passion that drives us to deliver far beyond the expectations of our customers and our associates.
- We Do What Is Right. We put ethics in front of business. It does not mean that we are always right, or that our customer is always right. It means that we choose to do what is right—even if it punishes us.
- We Fix It. When we encounter an error, a shortcoming, an omission, or a failure—whether it originates internally or externally—we step in and solve the problem using every means at our disposal.
- We Are All In. We meet the quality requirements of our business partners through strict adherence to validated procedures, a total commitment to excellence, and a focus on improving the lives of those we serve.
A lead sets the standard for all four values. The machinists around you will do what you do, not what you say.
Why WOW
- People stay. Our associates typically build long careers here.
- Room to grow. This role is our path to supervisor. Leads who prove themselves move into supervisor, production management, quality, and engineering roles.
- Four 10s. A four-day, 10-hour work week, with overtime available.
The Role
We are hiring a CNC Mill Lead to be the technical anchor of our CNC milling department across both shifts. You set up the hardest jobs, train and coach the machinists, and keep the department hitting its production targets. You work a schedule that overlaps both shifts and report to the Production Manager.
This is a working lead role: most of your day is hands-on at the machines. It is also a development role. If you want to become a supervisor, we will build that path with you.
What You'll Do
Setup and technical leadership
- Set up and prove out new and complex jobs: workholding, tooling, offsets, and first-article.
- Troubleshoot tool wear, chatter, dimensional drift, and program problems; edit programs at the control.
- Be the go-to technical resource for machinists on both shifts.
- Work with engineering and quality to improve setups, cycle times, and work instructions.
Production and shift coordination
- Assign daily work to people and machines with the Production Manager to meet the schedule.
- Track department output, on-time delivery, and scrap, and flag problems early.
- Run clean shift handoffs so nothing is lost between shifts.
- Coordinate with purchasing and maintenance to keep machines running.
Training and coaching
- Train new hires from day one to fully productive, using documented work instructions.
- Build and maintain a cross-training matrix so every critical job has backup coverage.
- Coach operators into setup machinists.
Hiring and team standards
- Help interview candidates and run hands-on skills checks.
- Give the Production Manager direct input on hiring, performance, and attendance.
- Model the standard for attendance, safety, and quality every shift.
Quality, safety, and improvement
- Enforce our AS9100 quality system: first-article inspection, in-process inspection, and accurate records.
- Stop and contain nonconforming product immediately and support root-cause and corrective action.
- Enforce safety rules and PPE, keep the department organized with 5S, and follow ITAR requirements on the floor.
What You Bring
Required
- 5+ years of CNC milling experience, including independent setup and troubleshooting.
- Experience training other machinists or serving as the go-to person on a shift.
- Strong blueprint reading, GD&T, and inspection skills.
- Able to edit programs at the control.
- A dependable attendance record and a track record of following procedures.
- Must be a U.S. person under ITAR.
Preferred
- Formal lead or supervisory experience.
- Experience in an AS9100, ISO 9001, aerospace, or defense shop.
- CAM programming experience (Mastercam or similar).
- Experience machining a range of materials, including alloy steel, titanium, and aluminum.
- Lean, 5S, or root-cause problem-solving training.
How Success Looks in Year One
- 90 days: You know every machine and active job in the department. You run the hardest setups independently. Shift handoffs are consistent. A cross-training matrix is in place.
- 6 months: The department hits its production targets consistently. Every new hire has a training plan. At least one operator is learning setups from you.
- 12 months: Measurable improvement in on-time delivery and scrap. Lower turnover. You are ready to take on supervisor responsibilities.
Work Environment
Work is on the production floor and in the shop office on a four-day, 10-hour schedule that overlaps both shifts, with overtime available. Safety glasses, safety footwear, and other PPE required on the floor. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
Benefits
Annual profit-based year-end bonus (historically up to 10% of annual pay), health benefits, and paid time off.
Wisconsin Ordnance Works is an equal opportunity employer. This position requires access to export-controlled information; applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.62).
You should be proficient in:
- GD&T
- Leadership / People Management
- CNC Tooling
- Troubleshooting Skills
- CNC Programming
- AS9100 Quality Systems
- G-Code
- Lean Manufacturing Principles
- CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
- Production Planning & Scheduling
- Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
- Advanced Inspection & Gauge Measurement
- Machine Setups for Production Runs
- Troubleshooting CNC Machines
- Root Cause Analysis
- Blueprint Reading
Machines & technologies you'll use: