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Team Lead Operator

JBT Marel · Galena, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you led a problem-solving effort that improved performance in a machining area.

What they are checking: Whether they use structured problem solving with the team instead of fixing everything themselves.

How do you coordinate with the CNC Programmer, Scheduler and Quality to keep jobs moving?

What they are checking: Whether they work across functions to solve problems before they become late or rejected orders.

How do you train a newer machinist and review their work without taking the job over?

What they are checking: Whether they build skills in others through coaching, which is how the team grows past them.

The posting names the Wenger principles of Initiative, Ingenuity and Integrity. Tell me about a time you showed one of them.

What they are checking: Whether they can tie a real story to the values this site expects its leaders to model.

What would you do

This is a working machinist role that also leads the CNC area. How do you split your time between running parts and leading people?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay productive at the machine while still catching problems and supporting the team.

You have to make a call mid-shift that affects the schedule, like pulling a machine down. How do you decide?

What they are checking: Whether they can make timely, far-reaching decisions with incomplete information and communicate them well.

A machinist on your team keeps skipping a safety step to save time. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they enforce safety consistently and address the reason behind the shortcut, not just the behavior.

About the work

A part comes off the machine out of tolerance halfway through a run. Walk me through how you troubleshoot it.

What they are checking: Whether they check tool wear, offsets, fixturing, program and material in a logical order before guessing.

How do you set up fixtures and tooling for a new job you have never run before?

What they are checking: Whether they can prove out a new job safely, with first-article checks, before handing it to the team.

How would you define standard work methods so second and third shift run the job the same way as days?

What they are checking: Whether they can write and enforce clear standards that hold across shifts when they are not present.

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The full job description

As published by JBT Marel.

The Role: The CNC Team Leader is a working machinist position facilitating the production, quality and operation of the CNC machining area. The Team Leader will hold full accountability, facilitate a fully functional engaged team environment, aid in troubleshooting machining errors, assist with setup, fixtures and tooling needs of new jobs, communicate effectively with other area leads and backfill roles in the absence of other leads. The Team Leader will also coordinate with the CNC Programmer, Scheduler/Planner, Quality and Safety associates to ensure customer and Company requirements are met. The Team Leader will also participate in self and corporate talent development, engagement and role model the Wenger operating principles of Initiative, Ingenuity and Integrity . Key Responsibilities: • Ensure team is following all safety policies and procedures. • Drive a team environment and the Wenger operating principles across multiple work shifts. • Make timely, critical and far-reaching decision(s) during a shift. • Define standard work methods for the team and ensure team is performing across shifts to standard. • Lead problem solving activities with the teams to continuously improve performance. • Assist in the training and development of machinists, answering work questions, resolving operating difficulties, and reviewing completed work assignments. • Utilize skills to protect against potential damage to all machines and in particular, to take overall ownership of machining area. • Proactive awareness of workload and plan requirements for future jobs ensuring work for each work center with minimal downtime across work shifts. • Audit team members to standard work instructions and improve as needed through action plans • Troubleshoot and resolve abnormal conditions involving tooling, materials, programs, equipment and part specifications (contact on-call Wenger maintenance technicians to facilitate necessary repairs). • Document occurrence and resolution of abnormalities and problem solve to prevent recurrence. • Participates in inspections and investigations by gathering data related to proper utilization of labor, equipment, materials and facilities. • Perform other duties as assigned or as the need arises. Physical/Environmental Requirements: • Manufacturing environment: may be exposed to loud noises, machinery with moving parts • Standing on a concrete floor • Wearing proper personal protective equipment (safety glasses, bump cap w/face shield, ear plugs and safety shoes) • Bending, stooping, twist, turn, standing for extended time periods, reaching, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 50lbs occasionally Minimum Qualifications: • High Ability and willingness to develop and manage self. • Must be able to successfully lead others across multiple shifts. • Must have strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills. • Ability to share expertise and knowledge throughout the machine shop and be focal point for advice on machining operations. • Have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent education. • Must be able to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications for manufacturing requirements. • Ability to work on complex parts from drawings, including one-offs, and R&D projects. • Apply knowledge, when required, for manufacturing parts from raw material to finished part specifications. • Performs support in manufacturing engineer duties, may include plant layout, scrap reduction and quality assurance functions, as well as Six-Sigma projects to drive continual improvements. • Must be willing and able to work and accept varying shifts and schedules • Ability to understand and effectively communicate in the English language

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