CNC Machine Operator Job Description

A typical week means loading raw stock into chucks and fixtures and verifying the first-run part against the blueprint before a production run begins. Between runs, the operator swaps worn tools and adjusts offsets when dimensions drift. The work sits on the shop floor of plants producing items such as flow-control devices for water and gas distribution or hydraulic seals machined from thermoplastics and elastomers, where the operator runs programs that others have usually proven and answers for whether each lot meets tolerance within the established cycle time. Out-of-tolerance parts become scrap.

The mandate of the CNC Machine Operator is to turn production prints and proven programs into conforming parts at the pace the schedule sets, keeping customer shipments on time. Working alongside manufacturing leadership and fellow team members on an assigned shift, the operator reports to a production supervisor for setups, inspections, and output.

Career Impact: Hands-on setup experience on 3- and 4-axis mills and 2-axis lathes is the credential shops look for when promoting operators to machinists.

Business Impact: Every lot you verify against the print cuts scrap and protects the 100% on-time delivery target that production plants track by cycle time.

Growth Opportunity: Operators who learn G and M code programming and tool-offset calculation can advance into CNC Programmer or Machinist positions.

• Establish machine setups by installing chucks, collets, tools, and fixtures to match production prints and job specifications.
• Operate CNC mills and lathes through full production cycles for drilling, milling, turning, reaming, and boring of metal parts.
• Validate first-run parts against blueprint dimensions and tolerances before releasing each job to full production.
• Monitor machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining, adjusting controls and tool offsets as required.
• Review in-process and final parts using precision measuring instruments to confirm conformance to specifications.
• Implement tool changes when cutters wear or break, and make minor program adjustments to hold dimensions.
• Document production counts, machining data, job time, and material usage in production and quality logs.
• Support preventive maintenance and housekeeping, including coolant levels, machine cleaning, and work area order under safety rules.

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent work experience, with trade school or machining certificate training a plus.
• 2 or more years of CNC machine operation experience, with setups in a production machine shop.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, production prints, and mechanical drawings to determine dimensions and tolerances.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments to inspect parts against drawing specifications.
• Shop mathematics skills with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, including calculations for tool offsets and print dimensions.
• Mechanical aptitude to identify worn or broken tools and troubleshoot machine setup problems.
• Attention to detail and commitment to safe working practices around heavy machinery and moving equipment.
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods on the production floor.

• Experience writing and editing G and M code programs for 3- and 4-axis mills and 2-axis lathes.
• Combined mill and lathe experience on multi-axis machining centers in a mass-production environment.
• Knowledge of 5S workplace organization and experience recommending changes that reduce setup and cycle times.
• Experience with thin-gauge aluminum, thermoplastics, or elastomers, including grinding, deburring, and finishing of machined surfaces.

• First-pass yield percentage, reflecting how many parts meet tolerance without rework.
• Scrap rate per job, measuring material lost to out-of-tolerance machining.
• Actual versus standard cycle time in minutes, showing how well established rates are held.
• Setup time in minutes per changeover, reflecting readiness of fixtures, tools, and offsets.
• On-time job completion percentage, tracking delivery of scheduled work orders.
• Machine downtime hours per shift, showing how quickly malfunctions are detected and corrected.

• Base Salary Range: $38,000 to $55,000 per year, or roughly $18 to $26 per hour
• Bonus: Shift differentials for second and third shifts, plus overtime pay and attendance bonuses
• Equity: Rarely offered; some employers provide profit sharing or employee stock purchase plans
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, often after a 30- to 90-day waiting period
• PTO: 10 to 15 days of paid time off plus 6 to 9 paid holidays
• Common Perks: 401(k) matching, trade school reimbursement, safety footwear allowance, and paid training

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, and any offer of employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act are available on request throughout the hiring process.

The CNC Machine Operator delivers machined metal parts for aircraft engines, holding the tolerances, finishes, and traceability that high-skill CNC and N/C setups demand. Reporting to the standards of Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Assurance and working closely with area process engineers, the CNC Machine Operator keeps production planning on schedule and conforming parts moving to the next stage.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC and N/C machines that require high skill to set up and operate.
• Machine all types of metals used within the machine shops.
• Follow production planning and special process method sheets while working closely with area process engineers.
• Generate and check part dimensions during various machining stages with complex measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, special-purpose gauges, scales, etc.
• Perform precise indicating on parts where true indicator reading (TIR) and/or four-point indication is critical to the machining of the part.
• Voucher or account for own time accurately using the prescribed system, and electronically maintain records, log books, and charts, initiating electronic or manual reports when required.
• Train operators temporarily to use certain equipment which the individual is qualified to run.
• Achieve all required tolerances and finishes that will produce quality parts promptly and meet standards as set forth by Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Assurance.
• Serialize parts accurately to maintain traceability at all times.
• Keep facilities, material, and work area orderly, exercising care in their use and maintaining good housekeeping practices.
• Do minor maintenance on machines.
• Ensure all characteristics generated at the designated operation conform through use of applicable inspection techniques.
• Adhere to all Environmental, Health, and Safety requirements and all Quality requirements.
• Use forklifts, cranes, and material-handling equipment instead of manual lifting and carrying.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3 or more years of manufacturing experience in the setup and operation of any 2 of the following computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining processes: drilling, milling, grinding, turning, or broaching, or a 2-year degree from an accredited machinist training program.
• CVP certification, or the ability to obtain and maintain it, with training provided.
• 1 or more years of experience reading and interpreting mechanical blueprints and/or production planning.
• 2 or more years of experience using precision measuring instruments.
• Prior aircraft engine machining experience.
• Basic knowledge of computers and ability to learn Microsoft Office.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively in the English language.
• Ability to push, pull, lift, or carry parts up to 50 lbs. using proper ergonomic procedures.
• Availability to work 2nd or 3rd shift.
• Capacity to maintain continuous visual concentration, with or without reasonable accommodation, to develop and maintain tolerance.

Embedded within an assigned work cell, the CNC Machine Operator owns the setup and operation of wire and tube processing equipment, running more than one machine to the production schedule while holding output to GMP documentation standards. Working closely with fellow operators, upper management, and auditors, the CNC Machine Operator answers questions on work-order status so each production lot stays compliant and traceable.

Core Functions

• Manage the setup and operation of machines for maximum efficiency.
• Set up and maintain wire/tube processing equipment according to production schedule and quality standards, making minor adjustments as necessary.
• Operate more than one piece of equipment within an assigned work cell.
• Perform in-process inspections and analyze data required by work instructions, routers, and other specifications.
• Document basic process observations such as dimensional and shape changes of the product, tooling, and equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment.
• Oversee that production/development paperwork conforms to GMP.
• Enforce line-clearance procedure.
• Track work-order status and flow.

Qualifications & Experience

• High School Degree or equivalent.
• Technical school or college degree preferred, but not required.
• Two to five years of related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret production work instructions, routers, and specifications.
• Experience with Windows-based PCs and their related applications, such as Excel and Word.
• Ability to perform required inspections using precision measuring instruments, pin gauges, laser micrometer, and other tools.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from operators, upper management, and auditors.
• Good Spanish language skills, not required but an asset.

Reporting to the requirements set in blueprints and mechanical drawings, the CNC Machine Operator delivers large runs of drilled, cut, and milled parts by translating instructions into computer commands. Partnering with the equipment through daily checks and maintenance, the CNC Machine Operator keeps machinery functional and every finished product aligned with requirements.

Primary Duties

• Prepare and operate CNC machines to perform tasks, such as drilling, cutting, milling, etc.
• Understand specifications of the task at hand and the desired result by reading blueprints, mechanical drawings, etc.
• Translate instructions into computer commands so the machines can perform the correct function.
• Prepare and load raw materials and parts onto the machines.
• Prepare a test run to check if the machines produce outputs according to specifications.
• Set machines to complete full cycles to fabricate large numbers of parts.
• Supervise the machines while they execute the tasks and make any necessary adjustments to produce a better result.
• Inspect and measure finished products and compare them with requirements to determine if the process has been completed properly.
• Check and maintain machinery daily to ensure functionality.

Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience as a CNC operator.
• Proficiency in operating CNC machinery and tooling, as well as precision measurement tools.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical documents and drawings.
• Solid mechanical aptitude and good math skills.
• Ability to bring a keen eye for detail and a results-driven approach.
• Good communication abilities.

Sitting at the intersection of seal design and precision machining, the CNC Machine Operator shapes standard and custom hydraulic seals from thermoplastics and elastomers, setting profiles and dimensions that must pass 100% visual inspection. Operating across the production environment and its ERP records, the CNC Machine Operator gives each production order accurate tolerance, material, and tool data that keeps seal output traceable and on schedule.

Duties

• Machine standard and custom hydraulic seals from thermoplastics and elastomers using CNC machines with proprietary seal-design software.
• Read production prints and other related documents.
• Set up CNC with correct profile and dimensional information.
• Perform in-process inspection and testing, including 100% visual inspection using several measurement tools.
• Record machining data and tolerance details for all machined products.
• Accurately document material and tool consumption, production statistics, and material details for each production order in the ERP system.
• Perform maintenance and cleaning according to schedule, including coolant level and quality, machine and vacuum cleaning, tool maintenance and organization, and workspace housekeeping.
• Comply strictly with Health and Safety standards and employee rules and regulations.

Requirements

• High School certificate or GED at minimum.
• Experience reading prints and drawings.
• Experience in a production environment.
• Basic knowledge of 5S.
• Able to show mechanical aptitude, with basic computer skills a plus.
• Ability to communicate technical details.
• Commitment to detail-oriented work and willingness to learn and cross-train.

A key member of the CNC milling operation, the CNC Machine Operator builds production parts and special-project parts that pass visual and mechanical inspection for burrs and tool-path steps. Collaborating across the shop with in-house technical support, the CNC Machine Operator helps resolve equipment problems and keeps inspection data complete for every run.

Functions

• Perform tool changes and adjustments when replacing worn or broken tools.
• Perform visual inspection, looking for burrs and tool-path steps on several parts for acceptability.
• Perform mechanical inspection and maintain the inspection data on production parts and special projects.
• Deburr parts, performing secondary operations while producing parts.
• Load and unload machines.
• Work closely with in-house technical support to assist in troubleshooting equipment problems.

Experience & Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience as a Machine Operator on CNC Milling Machines.
• Ability to read blueprints and use measuring tools to inspect the product produced.
• Working knowledge of how to load fixtures to a stop and the ability to square off a vise.
• Ability to use basic computer skills, including the use of email.
• Able to read micrometers and calipers to perform measurements of the parts being produced.
• Ability to understand verbal and written work instructions.
• Good communication skills and a strong teamwork mentality.

Turning research ideas into physical prototypes, components, and devices depends on the CNC Machine Operator, who shapes each build from research staff specifications and a working knowledge of what the facility's equipment can do. Based within a research facility and working directly with research staff, faculty, and students, the CNC Machine Operator keeps multi-axis milling, fabrication, and inspection equipment maintained, documented, and ready for use.

Accountabilities

• Build, fabricate, machine, etc. components using available equipment based on specifications provided by research staff.
• Use input from research staff and knowledge of available equipment to determine the most efficient and cost-effective way to produce the components.
• Contribute to the design of components based on input from research staff and knowledge of capabilities of available equipment.
• Operate a specific list of equipment.
• Develop, revise, and maintain basic operating manuals and training documents for the equipment.
• Train others on equipment.
• Perform general daily (routine) equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair based on training, tech manuals, customer support, and engagement with vendors.
• Coordinate with facility staff regarding equipment issues and repairs.

Technical Qualifications

• Associate degree with major work in a technical area and 3 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with procurement of parts and consumables.
• Experience working with electronics, such as soldering and PCB assembly.
• Working knowledge of appropriate lab and safety protocols and procedures.
• Experience operating and maintaining the following equipment: multi-axis CNC mill, laser cutter/engraver, 3D printers (FDM, SLA), metal thin-film deposition, dicing saw, mechanical testing equipment, machine shop equipment (e.g., drill press, lathe, band saw), waterjet cutter, jet sander, parylene deposition system, composite fabrication, manufacturing, testing, and characterization equipment (i.e., hot press for compression molding, out-of-autoclave processing, VARTM, universal testing machine for mechanical testing, dielectric and thermal characterization), and inspection equipment (SEM, digital microscope, contact and non-contact profilometers).
• Experience using the following software: SolidWorks, MaterCam, ProE, AutoCAD, facility and equipment management software, such as FIXX or QReserve, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.

As the CNC Machine Operator, this role owns the operation of automatic cutting tables that cut with blades, lasers, and routers, turning production schedules and technical drawings into finished work within internal and external customer deadlines. The department relies on this work to keep time and material usage accurately tracked and to support its leader with questions from other departments.

Activities

• Operate auto-cut tables, which are capable of cutting using the machine's various cutting elements, such as blades, lasers, and routers.
• Use software to operate an automatic cutting table.
• Accurately track time and material usage.
• Read the production schedule, work orders, technical drawings, and written instructions, and make sure to understand them.
• Organize work in the most effective manner feasible to fulfill all internal and external customers' deadlines.
• Maintain high-quality standards while meeting deadlines and completing work in a timely and productive manner.
• Assist the department leader in answering questions from other departments on production.
• Listen to Department Leads and Supervisors, ask questions, and grasp their verbal and written directions.
• Provide a positive example for others.
• Follow all personnel, departmental, and safety policies.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or its equivalent.
• Working knowledge of production and department standards.
• Basic knowledge of math and geometry, which is essential.
• Ability to read measurements down to the 1/16th of an inch.
• Proficiency in machine setups for production runs and blueprint reading.
• Solid mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Capacity to create preventive maintenance plans and perform machine safety inspections.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software and CNC routers.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor while working both individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to work quickly, under pressure, and multitask during times of extreme stress.
• Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing English.

CNC Machine Operator owns the setup, programming, and operation of mills, lathes, brakes, and lasers, manufacturing small-to-medium runs of parts that hold tolerance and repeatability with a limited amount of supervision. The work directly supports the site's continuous improvement process, feeding accurate production data into safety, production, and quality improvements.

Operational Focus

• Produce high-quality products and services for customers.
• Be responsible for the work area to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the area.
• Set up and monitor the production of the product in the area, and participate in the continuous improvement process at the site to address safety, production, and quality improvements.
• Operate assigned equipment, including Brake Press and CNC machinery (mills and lathes, brakes and lasers), maintain it, and order tools.
• Maintain the work area for operation and cleanliness.
• Record and report production data.
• Analyze data and production reports.
• Set up and change over equipment.
• Program machines with measurements, editing code and writing minor programs as required.
• Perform setup on assigned jobs and inspect production parts for conformity to tolerances and repeatability.
• Read prints, maintain programs, cut material, select tools, and manufacture small-to-medium runs of parts with a limited amount of supervision.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 6 months of industrial machine operation experience.
• 6 months of experience reading blueprints.
• Ability to analyze, incorporate, and apply new information and concepts.
• Ability to focus on important information and identify key details.
• Comfort with troubleshooting, creative thinking, and idea generation.
• 6 months of experience in reading and understanding the use of micrometers.
• Ability to complete work, follow up, and report appropriately on responsibilities.

The CNC Machine Operator produces finished metal products by running CNC machines and metal-bending equipment, then grinding, cleaning, and polishing thin-gauge aluminum surfaces to a mirror finish. Reporting to the plant's fabrication workflow, the CNC Machine Operator keeps raw materials and equipment moving so each product leaves the floor to specification.

Key Deliverables

• Operate various machines and equipment, including CNC Machines and metal-bending equipment.
• Operate metal-cleaning equipment to remove excess welds, rust, scale, and other materials from surfaces of metal products.
• Grind or chip excess metal from metal products using hand tools.
• Clean machines and immediate work areas.
• Transport raw materials, finished products, and equipment throughout the plant manually or using powered equipment.
• Polish metal products to a mirror finish.
• Read and interpret fabrication drawings.
• Use hand tools like drills, rivet guns, and grinders.
• Use measuring equipment, including measuring tape, vernier caliper, and micrometer.

Professional Experience

• Experience working with thin-gauge aluminum.
• Familiarity with various CNC machines and metal-bending equipment.
• Ability to interpret drawings, calculate angles, and measure and mark up material.
• Proficiency in using various hand tools, including grinders, drills, and rivet guns.
• Capacity to read a tape measure.
• Ability to work independently in a detail-oriented manner.
• Comfort working at a fast pace.

Embedded within a CNC lathe production team, the CNC Machine Operator develops machined parts that meet tolerances for final inspection, taking each job from incoming raw-material checks through cleaning of the finished product. Working closely with manufacturing leadership and fellow team members, the CNC Machine Operator keeps preventative maintenance and documentation current so shared production goals are met.

Areas of Ownership

• Perform raw material incoming visual inspection.
• Perform manufacturing operations on CNC lathes.
• Machine parts to meet tolerances for final inspection.
• Inspect and clean the finished product at the end of the production cycle.
• Perform product final inspection.
• Work closely with manufacturing leadership and fellow team members to achieve shared goals.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks.
• Complete required documentation accurately.

Background & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Machining certificate or prior CNC machining experience preferred, with training available for a motivated entry-level candidate.
• Ability to problem-solve.
• Ability to apply a high level of mechanical aptitude.
• Commitment to safe working practices.
• Commitment to continuous development of machining skill set.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Reporting to the shop floor, the CNC Machine Operator oversees programming, setup, and operation of 3-4-axis mills and 2-axis lathes, writing G and M code that turns stock into machined parts. Partnering with shop-floor production on programming issues, the CNC Machine Operator investigates and implements machining improvements that keep parts flowing.

Role Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate a computer numerical control (CNC) machine to produce machined parts.
• Generate CNC programs for machining centers/lathes.
• Program mills and lathes by entering instructions, including zero and reference points, and offsets.
• Set up mills and lathes by installing and adjusting chucks, tools, collets, bushings, cams, gears, stops, and stock pushers.
• Troubleshoot programming on the shop floor.
• Investigate and implement improvements in machining techniques.

Required Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience in manufacturing and programming for 3-4-axis mills and 2-axis lathes.
• Experience with G and M Code Programming.
• Ability to work at a fast pace.
• Capacity to work as a self-starter who is motivated to excel.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Sitting at the intersection of mold handling and process equipment operation, the CNC Machine Operator produces conforming manufactured parts, retrieving and setting up production molds and controlling part quality at every run. Operating in a team setting under a supervisor's direction, the CNC Machine Operator keeps equipment in good working order through scheduled preventative maintenance so the work area stays safe from hazards.

Job Functions

• Set up and operate all process equipment.
• Retrieve and set up production molds.
• Control the conformity and quality of the manufactured parts.
• Ensure the work area is clean and safe from hazards.
• Keep equipment in good working order through scheduled preventative maintenance.
• Adhere to all Safety Policies and Procedures.

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience working with casting chemicals preferred but not necessary.
• Previous experience with machine operation is a plus.
• Proficiency with the use of hand tools.
• Ability to follow and communicate through written and verbal instruction.
• Capacity to react to change quickly and productively.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Able to work standing up with good manual dexterity.
• Willingness to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

A key member of the production shop, the CNC Machine Operator advances 100% on-time delivery by running 2-, 3-, and 4-axis mills and lathes to established cycle times. Collaborating across machining and process improvement work, the CNC Machine Operator recommends setup and cycle-time reductions that help lower costs and raise productivity.

What You'll Do

• Make mechanical and/or program adjustments to ensure parts are meeting quality requirements.
• Communicate recommendations to modify processes to improve productivity and quality.
• Machine parts using CNC machines to perform various machine functions, such as cutting, drilling, milling, reaming, boring, and broaching of metallic and nonmetallic workpieces.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by complying with organization standards and legal regulations.
• Start and observe machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining, and adjust machine controls or control media as required.
• Grind, file, or sand surfaces of metal items, using a variety of hand tools, power tools, and machines.
• Move materials and maintain work area.
• Be responsible for the visual and physical quality of the parts being loaded and unloaded.
• Identify and replace any broken or worn tools and make tool offsets.
• Do setups of previously proven jobs with little instruction.
• Examine surfaces to find defects.
• Remove defects and smooth uneven surfaces.
• Ensure 100% on-time delivery by meeting established cycle times and making recommendations to decrease setup and cycle times.
• Ensure quality, assist in reducing costs, and continuously improve productivity by accurately tracking job time through bar coding or other means.

Skills & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent, with trade school a plus.
• Prior experience with CNC Machining Centers in a mass-production environment is a plus.
• Previous CNC experience and experience in a machine shop environment.
• Working knowledge of machine shop equipment and practice, specifically those involving metal cutting.
• Proficiency in shop mathematics, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing in all units of measure with whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals, to calculate tool offsets and home positions and verify print dimensions, with a basic understanding of geometry and trigonometry.
• Working knowledge of blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals, specifications, or sample parts to determine dimensions and tolerances of finished workpieces, sequence of operations, and setup requirements, including complex engineering drawings.
• Experience with CNC machining, calipers and micrometers, blueprint reading, production machining, vertical mills, and CNC/mill/lathe work.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and gauges, including calipers and micrometers, to check parts according to drawings.
• Ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Capacity to work at a fast pace, multitask, and adapt quickly to change.
• Comfort working with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work safely in a variety of situations and follow rules and established processes.
• Good communication skills and a good attitude, with the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Able to demonstrate good manufacturing practices and respond professionally to process improvements.

Keeping CNC gear-grinding machines running without downtime depends on the CNC Machine Operator, who oversees setup and operation of the grinders and inspects each component against specifications with bench gauging. Serving as a role model, coach, and trainer for new associates, the CNC Machine Operator documents performance issues so the next shift continues without gaps, while training toward gear grinder machinist.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Perform manufacturing processes, including the setup and/or operation of CNC gear-grinding machines and other ancillary equipment.
• Inspect manufactured components for conformance to specifications using bench gauging.
• Ensure that standard procedures are followed in all aspects of work, including machine setup and operation, process verification, product inspection, documentation, material handling, etc.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks and enhance machinery performance to prevent machine downtime.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing tools and techniques.
• Document and communicate manufacturing performance issues to maintain continuity between shifts and decrease machine downtime.
• Act as a role model, coach, and trainer for new associates to foster a team environment.
• Maintain work areas and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of math or industrial mathematics, desired.
• Ability to read technical drawings.
• Able to use or set up various measuring devices.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret machining program language (strongly desired).
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Good fine motor skills with frequent hand and arm movement.
• Comfort with moderate twisting, bending, and climbing on step stools or platforms.
• Willingness to work in a loud machining environment with exposure to aerospace metals, lubricants, and chemicals.
• Willingness to wear safety glasses or shields, appropriate manufacturing closed-toed footwear, hearing protection, or other protective equipment as needed.

As the CNC Machine Operator, this role oversees drilling, grooving, turning, and thread chasing on CNC equipment that machines flow-control parts, verifying first-run parts against international standards. The production floor relies on this work for complete production and quality logs, with setup requirements confirmed through spec sheets or the supervisor before each run.

Scope of Work

• Maintain safe operations by adhering to all safety procedures and regulations.
• Set up and operate the machine to cast parts, etc., related to running the CNC machine.
• Inspect product to ensure product meets specifications and to determine need for machine adjustments.
• Study guides, samples, charts, and spec sheets, or communicate with the supervisor to determine setup requirements.
• Start up the machine, monitor operations, make adjustments as needed, and stop the machine when the specified amount of product has been produced.
• Inspect the machine to determine if adjustments need to be made.
• Read blueprints, plans, materials, specifications, drawings, and machining parameters.
• Verify settings by measuring positions, first-run parts, and sample workpieces, adhering to international standards.
• Maintain specifications by observing drilling, grooving, and cutting, including turning and thread chasing operations, taking measurements, detecting malfunctions, troubleshooting processes, adjusting and reprogramming controls, sharpening and replacing worn tools, and adhering to quality assurance procedures and processes.
• Document actions by completing production and quality logs.

Experience & Qualifications

• Ability to use power tools, air tools, and other vibratory tools.
• Availability for all shifts and possible mandatory overtime.
• Able to lift or move up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch for long periods of time, including work from a standing position.
• Comfort working around heavy machinery at times.

CNC Machine Operator produces machined equipment to a high standard and in a timely manner, reading engineering drawings with GD&T and writing programs by hand when required. Success in the position means inspecting incoming materials and tooling against company standards and following site work instructions, so machining meets the HSE policies the site sets.

Work Activities

• Read and understand engineering drawings and specifications, including GD&T.
• Ensure the setup and operation of equipment, tooling, and fixtures is appropriate.
• Move, load/unload, transport, store, stack, and record materials, tooling, fixtures, and consumables as required.
• Inspect incoming materials, tooling, and consumables to ensure compliance with company standards.
• Adhere to Company Safety and Environmental policies.
• Adhere to site work instructions.

Technical Qualifications

• Experience working with the Siemens 840 D control would be an advantage.
• Ability to operate various Machine Tools competently.
• Able to produce programs by hand.
• Strong computer skills, an advantage.
• Capacity for logical, rational thinking, with the ability to analyse and solve problems.
• Ability to stay self-motivated, with a positive attitude to new ideas.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good oral and written communication.