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.
