Lead Machinist / Cell Leader

Job Description:

Position: Lead Machinist / Cell Leader

Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Department: Production / Manufacturing

Reporting To: Production Supervisor / Operations Head

Company Overview

Kanoo Unimech 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.

• Technical Competencies

Machining Technologies

• CNC Turning
• CNC Milling
• Horizontal Boring
• Deep Hole Drilling
• Gun Drilling
• Conventional Machining

Manufacturing Knowledge

• GD&T Interpretation
• Engineering Drawings
• Tool Selection & Optimization
• Cutting Parameters
• Material Machining Practices
• Fixture Setup & Alignment
• Process Planning

Material Knowledge

• Carbon Steel
• Alloy Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Duplex Stainless Steel
• Super Duplex Stainless Steel
• Inconel
• Titanium

Systems & Tools

• ERP Systems
• Production Reporting Systems
• Basic CNC Programming Knowledge
• Lean Manufacturing Tools
• Root Cause Analysis Techniques

Behavioral Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management
• Technical Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Communication Skills
• Planning & Organizing
• Accountability & Ownership
• Quality Mindset
• Customer Focus
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production Target Achievement
• On-Time Delivery (OTD)
• Machine Utilization
• First Pass Yield (FPY)
• Setup Time Reduction
• Productivity Improvement
• Rework & Rejection Reduction
• Tool Consumption Optimization
• Safety Compliance
• Housekeeping & 5S Audit Scores
• Team Skill Development

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.