Production Lead

Lead Production - Wilmington, NC

Position Information

Position Title:CNC Lead Production

Department:Production / Operations

Company:Protocase Inc.

Location:Wilmington, North Carolina

Work Arrangement:On-site

Employment Type:Full-Time

Shift:Day Shift, 7:00 AM-3:00 PM

Level:Intermediate / Lead

Full Transparency: We Work a Little Differently Around Here.

This isn't just another job where you punch in and punch out. We come to work every day because we strive to earn a living in a meaningful way. Too many people go through their working lives without finding joy or purpose in what they do, and we believe work should be different.

At Protocase, your ideas don't just matter-they help shape our future. We thrive on collaboration, continuous improvement, and giving our people the opportunity to make a real impact.

Protocase specializes in custom sheet metal enclosures, panels, and parts for engineers and innovators worldwide, built with unmatched speed and quality. We take challenging designs and turn them into real-world products for some of the brightest minds on the planet.

Learn more about us: https://workdifferently.info/

About the Role

As our CNC Lead Production, you'll take a hands-on leadership role within our CNC production area, helping ensure the shift operates safely, efficiently, and according to Protocase quality and production standards.

You'll work directly alongside CNC operators while coordinating day-to-day production priorities, troubleshooting issues, monitoring workflow, and helping your team meet quality and delivery expectations.

This isn't a desk-based supervisor role. We're looking for someone who is comfortable being on the production floor, understands CNC manufacturing, and enjoys helping people solve problems and succeed.

You'll work closely with Production, Planning & Production (P&P), Quality, Flow, Maintenance, and other manufacturing teams to keep work moving and address roadblocks before they impact our customers.

What You'll Do

• Lead day-to-day CNC production activities during the assigned shift.
• Coordinate employees, machines, and production priorities to keep work flowing efficiently.
• Conduct pre-shift huddles and participate in daily production meetings.
• Provide hands-on guidance, coaching, and support to CNC operators.
• Monitor production schedules, workload, output, and priorities throughout the shift.
• Ensure CNC equipment is operated safely and according to established procedures.
• Assist operators with machine setup, tooling, workholding, and production troubleshooting.
• Review drawings, work instructions, specifications, and job requirements to support accurate production.
• Identify production roadblocks and coordinate with the appropriate teams to resolve them quickly.
• Monitor part quality and work closely with Quality to address non-conforming products or recurring defects.
• Help identify the root causes of production, quality, and efficiency issues.
• Support corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with Maintenance when machine or equipment issues arise.
• Ensure operators follow established safety, quality, housekeeping, and production standards.
• Support the training and onboarding of new CNC team members.
• Track and communicate shift performance, production issues, downtime, rework, and outstanding priorities.
• Prepare clear shift handovers to ensure continuity between production teams.
• Lead by example and help build a positive, accountable, and collaborative shop-floor culture.

What You Need

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• CNC machining, manufacturing, mechanical, or related technical education is considered an asset.

Experience

• 2+ years of experience working in CNC machining, CNC production, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience operating CNC manufacturing equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting production or machining issues.
• Previous experience providing leadership, training, or day-to-day direction to production employees is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong working knowledge of CNC manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and manufacturing specifications.
• Understanding of CNC machine setup, tooling, workholding, and production processes.
• Ability to recognize machining and quality issues and help determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple production requirements in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable using production systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work on-site in Wilmington, NC.
• Ability to work the afternoon shift from 3:00 PM-11:00 PM.
• Ability to spend extended periods walking and standing on the production floor.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs when required.
• Comfortable working around CNC machinery and in an active manufacturing environment.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and quality.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

What Would Be Considered an Asset

• Previous experience as a CNC Lead, CNC Team Lead, Senior CNC Operator, or Production Lead.
• Experience in a custom or high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience with CNC milling, turning, routing, punching, or other CNC equipment.
• CNC programming or program-editing experience.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of root cause analysis and corrective/preventative action processes.
• Experience training or mentoring CNC operators.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality management system.
• Experience monitoring production KPIs, downtime, efficiency, scrap, or rework.

What Success Looks Like

Within your first year, you will:

• Independently lead day-to-day CNC production activities on your assigned shift.
• Build a strong understanding of Protocase's CNC equipment, processes, quality standards, and production expectations.
• Establish yourself as a reliable resource for CNC operators when technical or production challenges arise.
• Keep production priorities organized and ensure roadblocks are identified and escalated quickly.
• Build strong working relationships with Production, Quality, Flow, P&P, Maintenance, and other supporting teams.
• Help improve CNC productivity while maintaining high standards for safety and quality.
• Support the development of CNC operators through hands-on coaching and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to measurable reductions in downtime, scrap, rework, and recurring production issues.
• Help create a CNC team culture built around accountability, communication, continuous improvement, and helping others succeed.

Why Us?

At Protocase, we believe in recognizing and rewarding hard work, technical expertise, leadership, and dedication.

Our starting annual total compensation package-including base salary and performance incentives-ranges from $45,000 to $65,000 USD, depending on experience and qualifications.

In addition, you can look forward to:

Training & Growth:Develop your technical and leadership skills with opportunities to take on greater responsibility as our Wilmington operation grows.

Comprehensive Health Care:Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, and Group Insurance available after two months of full-time employment.

Vacation:Start with two weeks of paid vacation, increasing to three weeks after three years and four weeks after five years.

Community Discounts:Access exclusive deals at participating local businesses.

Wellness Support:Participate in wellness initiatives and enjoy access to a gym membership.

Social Events:As our Wilmington branch continues to grow, enjoy team lunches, seasonal parties, and social events with your coworkers.

Wilmington Lifestyle:Build your career in a growing manufacturing operation while enjoying everything Wilmington and coastal North Carolina have to offer.

Ready to Lead?

If you're an experienced CNC professional who enjoys solving problems, helping others succeed, and taking ownership of production performance, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today and help us build a high-performing CNC operation at Protocase Wilmington.