Lead Machinist - Production/ Manufacturing

Engagement details: • Job Title: Lead Machinist - Production/ Manufacturing • Client: Prominent Regional Corporate Firm - Oil & Gas • Employment type: Permanent • Location: Onsite in Dammam, Saudi Arabia • Experience level: 8-15 years • Reporting to: Production Supervisor/ Operations Head Company Overview: Our client is a joint venture specializing in the manufacturing, remanufacturing, repair, and servicing of critical components for the Oil & Gas industry. The facility utilizes advanced CNC machining technologies, Horizontal Boring Machines, Deep Hole Drilling Machines, Gun Drilling Machines, Laser Cladding, HVOF Coating, and precision inspection systems to deliver world-class manufacturing solutions. The company is committed to operational excellence, safety, quality, and continuous improvement while supporting the growing demands of the global energy sector. Position Summary: The Lead Machinist/ Cell Leader is responsible for leading a machining cell and ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of manufacturing and remanufacturing activities. The role combines hands-on machining expertise with frontline leadership responsibilities, including manpower allocation, production planning, technical guidance, quality compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position plays a critical role in achieving production targets, maintaining quality standards, optimizing machine utilization, and supporting the development of machining personnel within the assigned cell. Key Responsibilities: Machining Operations Leadership • Lead daily operations within the assigned machining cell • Allocate jobs and resources based on production priorities • Monitor machine loading and workflow to maximize productivity • Ensure smooth execution of machining activities while maintaining delivery commitments • Coordinate with Planning, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve production issues CNC & Conventional Machining • Support setup and operation of CNC Turning Centers, Vertical Machining Canters (VMC), Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC), and Horizontal Boring Machines • Provide technical guidance on machining methods, cutting parameters, tooling selection, and setup optimization • Support machining of critical Oil & Gas components and remanufactured products • Verify first-piece approvals and critical dimensions before batch production • Assist operators and machinists in troubleshooting machining issues Production Management • Ensure daily production targets are achieved • Monitor machine utilization and productivity performance • Minimize downtime, setup losses, and production delays • Ensure proper job tracking and production reporting • Support urgent customer requirements and priority jobs Quality Management • Ensure compliance with engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, process specifications, and customer requirements • Monitor dimensional accuracy and surface finish requirements • Support root cause analysis for quality issues and non-conformities • Work closely with Quality teams to improve First Pass Yield (FPY) • Promote a zero-defect manufacturing culture Team Leadership • Lead, train, mentor, and support machinists and machine operators • Ensure proper deployment of manpower across shifts • Monitor operator performance and identify training needs • Foster teamwork, discipline, accountability, and continuous learning • Support employee skill development and cross-functional training programs Continuous Improvement • Drive lean manufacturing, 5S, and productivity improvement initiatives • Identify opportunities for cycle time reduction • Improve tooling utilization and process efficiency • Support Kaizen and operational excellence projects • Participate in problem-solving and process improvement activities Health, Safety & Environment • Ensure compliance with company HSE requirements • Promote safe machine operation practices • Conduct daily workplace safety checks • Ensure proper use of PPE and adherence to safety procedures • Maintain housekeeping standards within the machining cell Educational Qualification: • ITI / Diploma in Machinist, Turner, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent. • Additional certifications in CNC Programming, Lean Manufacturing, or Production Management will be an added advantage Experience Requirements: • 8-15 years of machining experience in Oil & Gas, Precision Manufacturing, Aerospace, Heavy Engineering, or Energy industries. • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a Lead Machinist, Cell Leader, Senior Machinist, or Shop Floor Leadership role. • Experience in manufacturing and remanufacturing critical components. • Strong exposure to CNC and conventional machining operations. Preferred Industry Experience Candidates with experience in one or more of the following industries will be preferred: • Oil & Gas • Aerospace • Energy • Power Generation • Defense • Heavy Engineering • Precision Manufacturing Additional Requirements: • Willingness to relocate to Saudi Arabia. • Ability to support shift operations whenever required. • Experience in remanufacturing and repair of critical Oil & Gas components is highly preferred. • Exposure to API, ISO, and customer-specific manufacturing requirements will be an advantage. • Ability to lead multicultural teams in a high-performance manufacturing environment.

8-15 years of machining experience in Oil & Gas, Precision Manufacturing, Aerospace, Heavy Engineering, or Energy industries. Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a Lead Machinist, Cell Leader, Senior Machinist, or Shop Floor Leadership role. Experience in manufacturing and remanufacturing critical components. Strong exposure to CNC and conventional machining operations. ITI / Diploma in Machinist, Turner, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent. Additional certifications in CNC Programming, Lean Manufacturing, or Production Management will be an added advantage. Willingness to relocate to Saudi Arabia. Ability to support shift operations whenever required. Experience in remanufacturing and repair of critical Oil & Gas components is highly preferred. Exposure to API, ISO, and customer-specific manufacturing requirements will be an advantage. Ability to lead multicultural teams in a high-performance manufacturing environment.

Lead daily operations within the assigned machining cell. Allocate jobs and resources based on production priorities. Monitor machine loading and workflow to maximize productivity. Ensure smooth execution of machining activities while maintaining delivery commitments. Coordinate with Planning, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve production issues. Support setup and operation of CNC Turning Centers, Vertical Machining Centers (VMC), Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC), and Horizontal Boring Machines. Provide technical guidance on machining methods, cutting parameters, tooling selection, and setup optimization. Support machining of critical Oil & Gas components and remanufactured products. Verify first-piece approvals and critical dimensions before batch production. Assist operators and machinists in troubleshooting machining issues. Ensure daily production targets are achieved. Monitor machine utilization and productivity performance. Minimize downtime, setup losses, and production delays. Ensure proper job tracking and production reporting. Support urgent customer requirements and priority jobs. Ensure compliance with engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, process specifications, and customer requirements. Monitor dimensional accuracy and surface finish requirements. Support root cause analysis for quality issues and non-conformities. Work closely with Quality teams to improve First Pass Yield (FPY). Promote a zero-defect manufacturing culture. Lead, train, mentor, and support machinists and machine operators. Ensure proper deployment of manpower across shifts. Monitor operator performance and identify training needs. Foster teamwork, discipline, accountability, and continuous learning. Support employee skill development and cross-functional training programs. Drive lean manufacturing, 5S, and productivity improvement initiatives. Identify opportunities for cycle time reduction. Improve tooling utilization and process efficiency. Support Kaizen and operational excellence projects. Participate in problem-solving and process improvement activities.