Lead CNC Machinist - 2nd Shift

About Niron

Niron Magnetics is commercializing the first new permanent magnetic material in decades—a breakthrough Iron Nitride technology that eliminates rare earths, strengthens supply chains, and drives a more sustainable future. At Niron, we’re not improving what exists—we’re building what’s never existed before. The materials, processes, and standards are being created in real time by our team. We were named one of “America's Top GreenTech Companies” for 2024 and 2025 by TIME Magazine, Fast Company World Changing Ideas wins in 2024, 2025 and winners of the Minneapolis/ St. Paul Business Journal Minnesota Manufacturing Awards in 2025 and 2026.

As we scale to commercial production, your impact is immediate and visible—on the plant floor, in the lab, and in the products our customers bring to life. We set a high bar because what we’re building will last—and so will the legacy of the people behind it.

What you’ll do

As the Machinist Lead, 2nd Shift, you will be a hands-on technical leader responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and consistent operation of Niron’s second-shift machining and finishing activities. You will set up, program, troubleshoot, and operate CNC and manual machining equipment while helping machinists prioritize work, solve production problems, follow standard processes, and achieve daily safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.

You will serve as the primary machining resource on the second shift and work closely with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, R&D, and first-shift operations. This role is ideal for an experienced machinist who enjoys remaining hands-on with equipment while coaching others and improving how work gets done.

Shift Leadership and Team Support

• Lead second-shift machining by reviewing priorities, staffing, materials, tooling, and equipment readiness; assign work based on production needs, operator capability, and delivery dates.
• Train and coach machinists on safe equipment operation, setups, inspection methods, standard work, quality, accountability, documentation, and workplace organization.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for machining, tooling, quality, equipment, and workflow issues, and lead clear shift handoffs covering status, concerns, needs, and next priorities.

Machining Operations

• Set up, program, adjust, and operate CNC and manual machining equipment—including HAAS-controlled vertical mills, grinders, lathes, and related systems—to produce magnets, components, fixtures, and assemblies.
• Complete tool changes, offsets, machine adjustments, and in-process corrections while monitoring tool wear, dimensional drift, equipment conditions, and process variation.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and keep equipment, tooling, and work areas properly maintained.

Programming, Drawings, and Inspection

• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, process documentation, and GD&T requirements; develop, prove, edit, and optimize CNC programs using approved CAM and machine-control systems.
• Verify parts with precision inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, optical comparators, and CMMs, and ensure operators understand critical dimensions, inspection frequency, and acceptance criteria.
• Maintain accurate setup sheets, tooling information, machine programs, inspection results, production records, and process observations.

Troubleshooting and Continuous Improvement

• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, fixturing, setup, dimensional, process, and equipment issues, and support root cause and corrective action investigations.
• Recommend and implement improvements to programs, tooling, fixtures, inspection, setups, workflow, safety, quality, and cost.
• Identify recurring shift issues and communicate improvement opportunities to Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and operations leadership.

Safety and Quality

• Model and enforce safe work practices, required PPE, machine guarding, lockout/tagout, approved material handling, and stop-work expectations for unsafe conditions or quality risks.
• Ensure parts and assemblies meet engineering, quality, and customer requirements through consistent standard work, proper escalation, and documented deviations.
• Maintain accurate traceability, inspection, production, and shift-handoff records, along with a clean, organized, and compliant machining environment.

What we’re looking for

• High school diploma or GED and 4+ years of relevant experience.
• CNC and manual machining experience, including programming and adjustments.
• Ability to read drawings and apply GD&T and inspection requirements.
• Experience with precision measuring equipment.
• Strong mechanical, troubleshooting, and coaching skills.
• Strong organization, judgment, and communication skills.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills; able to lift 50 pounds and work on your feet.
• Available for second shift and overtime as needed.

Nice to have

• HAAS, CAM, and manual machining experience.
• Experience with advanced materials, fixtures, and tooling.
• CMM inspection or related manufacturing process experience.
• Lean, root cause, and continuous improvement experience.
• High-mix, prototype, scaling, lead, or trainer experience.
• Relevant technical diploma, apprenticeship, or associate degree.

Niron’s existing baseline second-shift schedule is Monday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. The final posting should confirm whether this same schedule applies to the hourly Machinist Lead role and state any applicable overtime expectations.

Our pay and benefits

• Salary: $32 - $46 hourly depending on experience, skills, and education
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental healthcare
• 401k plan with company match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Experience in a fun, high-performing, manufacturing environment

Pay: $32.00 - $46.00 per hour

Work Location: In person