Hiring! Full Time Team Leader – CNC Milling - 5-Axis (Precision Engineering) in Pulau Pinang - Ricebowl

Job Type: Full-Time | Executive / Team Leader

Specialization: Manufacturing - Production / CNC Machining / Mechanical

Salary: Open to Discussion (Commensurate with Experience)

Our client is an established European precision engineering enterprise expanding its international footprint by establishing a brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Selangor, Malaysia. A true specialist in its niche, the company supports leading global OEMs across high-tech industries including Semiconductor, Medical Devices, Scientific Instrumentation, and Advanced High-Tech Industrial sectors.

The company excels in complex, precision-driven production in High-Mix, Low-Volume (HMLV) environments, specializing in ultra-tight tolerance CNC machining of high-performance engineering plastics.

We are seeking a hands-on, experienced Team Leader Milling to lead our CNC milling department in a greenfield manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will manage day-to-day 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling operations in an HMLV, high-complexity environment.

This is a "Player-Coach" role. During the startup phase, you will lead directly from the shop floor—performing hands-on setups, changeovers, and technical troubleshooting while progressively building, training, and scaling a team of operators and machinists.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, train, and coach a growing team of 2–10 CNC operators and setters. Manage shift handovers, build a skill matrix, conduct performance reviews, and enforce high safety standards.

• 3-Axis & 5-Axis Execution: Manage daily production, job sequencing, and workload distribution for high-precision 3-axis and 5-axis milling operations.

• Hands-on Setup & Troubleshooting: Perform complex machine setups, tool changes, and program prove-outs alongside the team, acting as the technical authority on the shop floor.

• Precision & Quality Control: Maintain sub-micron to tight micron-level tolerances (2–8 microns). Conduct First Article Inspections (FAI/FAIR) in close coordination with the Metrology and Quality teams.

• Fixturing & Strategy: Advise on optimal workholding, custom fixturing concepts, tooling selection, and cutting strategies for complex multi-axis milling.

• NPI & CAD/CAM Integration: Partner with Production Engineering and CAD/CAM Programmers on program readiness, setup instructions, and shop-floor manufacturability feedback.

• Robotics & Automation: Supervise and support the ramp-up of automated milling cells, including pallet systems, robotized loading, and unattended machining.

• Lean & Performance Tracking: Drive 5S, workplace organization, and continuous improvement (LEAN) initiatives. Track and report cell metrics such as OEE, output, yield, scrap, and downtime to Operations Management.

• Education: Technical Diploma or Trade Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Machining, or equivalent.

• Experience: Minimum 7+ years of hands-on CNC milling experience, including several years operating and setting 5-axis CNC machines.

• Leadership Track Record: Proven leadership experience as a Team Leader, Senior Machinist, or Shop Floor Foreman in a precision machining environment.

• HMLV & Tight Tolerances: Strong background in High-Mix, Low-Volume precision manufacturing working with micron tolerances (2–8 µm) and complex GD&T engineering drawings.

• Machine Control Experience: Practical experience with premium CNC machines and controls (e.g., Mazak, DMG Mori, Hermle, Makino, Kern, Haas, Heidenhain, Siemens, Fanuc).

• Material Specialization (Advantage): Experience machining high-performance engineering plastics (e.g., PEEK, PTFE, POM) is a major advantage.

• Automation & Systems: Exposure to automated loading, pallet changers, SPC, and shop floor ERP/MES systems for job bookings.

• Languages: Good command of English (for technical collaboration) and Bahasa Malaysia (for shop floor team leadership).

• Shift Flexibility: Willingness to work in and rotate across shifts as facility production scales up.

• Greenfield Project: Be part of the pioneer shop floor leadership team building a brand-new European-backed manufacturing plant in Selangor.

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with state-of-the-art 5-axis CNC machines, automated pallet systems, and advanced robotics.

• Growth Opportunity: Grow your leadership career as the milling team and facility expand.

Team Leader Milling | CNC Milling Leader | 5 Axis Milling | 3 Axis Milling | CNC Machinist | Senior CNC Setter | Precision Machining | High Performance Plastics | 5 Axis Machining | DMG Mori | Hermle | Mazak | Makino | Heidenhain | HMLV | GD&T | Micron Tolerances | Robotics Automation | 5S Shop Floor | OEE