CNC Machinist Job Description

A CNC Machinist turns engineering drawings into finished parts using programmed machines. In most industrial shops, the position sits on the production floor under a machine shop group leader, and it owns each part from reading the print to proving out the program and signing off the first piece. Tolerances often tighten to a thousandth of an inch. What makes the work hard is holding those limits across GD&T callouts and ISO-controlled procedures while keeping more than one machine running through a shift.

The mandate of the CNC Machinist is to deliver in-tolerance parts on schedule, so that assembly, customers, and downstream operations receive components that match the print the first time. Inside the machine shop, the machinist shares information with fellow machinists and production engineering and reports to a group leader or shift lead on output, scrap, and safety.

Career Impact: Producing features to 0.001-inch tolerance on multi-axis mills and lathes builds the kind of setup record that precision shops ask for in interviews.

Business Impact: Parts that pass first-article inspection cut scrap and rework costs and keep assembly lines supplied without expediting.

Growth Opportunity: Machinists who add CAM programming and GD&T depth often move into CNC Programmer or group leader roles, including coaching Level I and II machinists.

• Interpret engineering drawings, work orders, and routing sheets to determine setup, operation sequence, and dimensional requirements.
• Set up CNC mills and lathes, selecting work-holding, cutting tools, and offsets for each job.
• Develop and edit CNC programs at the control, calculating feeds and speeds and proving out new programs.
• Monitor machine operation and cutting tool performance, adjusting offsets and controls to hold part tolerances.
• Inspect first pieces and in-process parts with calipers, micrometers, and gauges, documenting results and reporting nonconformances.
• Perform preventive maintenance on assigned machines, including lubrication, coolant levels, chip removal, and minor troubleshooting.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area that follows 5S, ISO, and shop safety procedures.
• Communicate production issues and shift handover details to group leaders, engineers, and machinists on the next shift.

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing technology or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of CNC machining experience, with hands-on setup and operation of mills and lathes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T callouts, and to communicate print requirements to others.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and hard gauges, for setup and inspection.
• Working knowledge of G and M code sufficient to edit programs and adjust offsets at the control.
• Solid shop math skills, including trigonometry, geometry, and feed-and-speed calculations, with metric and imperial conversion.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for 8 to 10 hours per shift.
• Knowledge of cutting tool geometry, work-holding methods, and machine shop safety requirements, including chemical and mechanical hazards.

• Experience programming complex parts in CAM software and proving out new programs with minimal supervision from engineering.
• Multi-axis machining experience on 4- and 5-axis machining centers, including horizontal and vertical configurations.
• Associate degree, technical certificate, or completed apprenticeship in CNC machining or machine technology.
• Experience coaching less experienced operators and contributing to Lean, 5S, or Kaizen improvement events on the shop floor.

• First-pass yield percentage, showing how many parts pass inspection without rework.
• Scrap and reject rate per job, reflecting setup accuracy and tolerance control.
• Setup and changeover time in minutes, measuring how quickly new jobs reach first-piece approval.
• Production output versus time standards per shift, reflecting machine workflow management.
• Unplanned machine downtime hours, tracking preventive maintenance and early malfunction detection.
• Program prove-out cycles per new part, showing editing accuracy at the control.

• Base Salary Range: $45,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on setup and programming depth
• Bonus: Overtime and shift differential pay are common, with occasional annual bonuses of 2% to 5%
• Equity: Rarely offered, with stock purchase plans at some larger manufacturers
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, typically with employer-paid premiums for employees
• PTO: 10 to 15 days plus 6 to 9 paid holidays annually
• Common Perks: 401(k) match, tool allowances, tuition reimbursement, and paid cross-training

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

Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during any stage of hiring, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, may request one at any time. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Any offer depends on a satisfactory background check and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

The CNC Machinist delivers milling and lathe parts to blueprint specifications, programming, setting up, and running CNC machinery while detecting malfunctions before they affect customer orders. Reporting to plant floor supervisors, the CNC Machinist maintains working equipment and product within customer specifications, supporting on-time delivery and a safe production floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate CNC milling, lathe, or other machinery according to blueprint specifications.
• Use G or M code and CAM software (MasterCAM, CAMWorks, or others).
• Ensure that machines are provided with adequate material to complete jobs correctly and efficiently.
• Operate machines and monitor operation and control panel displays to detect malfunctions and make adjustments.
• Perform quality checks on products to ensure products are manufactured according to customer specifications.
• Complete all necessary paperwork and production reports as needed.
• Ensure that machinery is working properly at all times.
• Troubleshoot CNC equipment for problems and make the proper adjustments as needed.
• Perform general maintenance on equipment as needed.
• Communicate daily issues and pertinent information to supervisors and other employees as needed.
• Understand and follow all company policies, practices, and procedures.
• Ensure housekeeping duties are performed on the plant floor.
• Follow all plant safety procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to communicate and work together to serve customers.
• Commitment to respecting each other, customers, and suppliers.
• Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Commitment to complete transparency and openness.
• Able to be trustworthy, forthright, honest, and dependable.
• Willingness to make bold commitments and set stretch targets.
• Willingness to drive and embrace change.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Able to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Capacity to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
• Capacity to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of one's ability using his or her own drive.
• Able to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.
• Commitment to taking care of the customers' needs while following company procedures.

Embedded within the machine shop behind a new race car, the CNC Machinist shapes precision components, pit equipment, and heritage car parts on multi-axis machining centres, programming at the control during the peak build season. Working closely with Production Engineering and fellow shift-based machinists, the CNC Machinist refines machining methods and keeps batch quality consistent, helping each new race car reach the track on schedule.

Core Functions

• Manufacture precision components to supplied CAD and drawings.
• Operate and set multi-axis CNC machines with a range of controllers.
• Confidently program parts online, fully or partially.
• Set and operate more than one machine during the peak build season.
• Maintain program and tooling records for all components produced.
• Feed back to Production Engineering to improve programs and machining methods.
• Manage workflow on the machine to maximise output without compromising quality.
• Perform basic inspection of parts to ensure the ongoing quality of batches.
• Maintain a shift handover record with other shift-based employees in the machine shop.
• Be aware of health and safety legislation and contribute positively to safety standards on the shop floor.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven track record as an experienced craftsperson.
• Experience using multi-axis machining centres.
• Previous experience in manufacturing small-batch precision components, preferably in a motorsport or similar environment.
• Previous on-control programming experience would be beneficial.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Able to adopt a professional and mature attitude to work and other people.
• Ability to be energetic, enthusiastic, and highly self-motivated.
• Commitment to a proactive approach to improving the way work is done.
• Able to remain composed and professional under pressure.
• Willingness to support other team members, department strategies, and processes as a whole.
• Ability to be results-focused and driven to do the very best possible.

Reporting to shop leadership, the CNC Machinist owns lathe and mill parts from start to finish, from reading dimensioned drawings and writing CAM programs through inspecting finished work with calipers and micrometers. Partnering with colleagues who need drawing requirements explained, the CNC Machinist identifies bottlenecks and recurring issues, raising shop effectiveness with little to no supervision.

Primary Duties

• Interpret dimensioned part drawings to ensure that the correct machine tools, work-holding, and inspection equipment are selected.
• Program and operate CNC machines.
• Take a part from start to finish, including programming in CAM software (such as Mastercam), calculating feeds and speeds, setting up cutting tools and work-holding, proofing programs, loading parts, and breaking down setups when finished.
• Inspect finished or in-process parts using a variety of handheld inspection tools, including calipers, micrometers, and hard gauges.
• Improve shop effectiveness by identifying bottlenecks and recurring issues and offering potential solutions.

Skills & Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience as a CNC machinist, with a focus on lathes and mills.
• Experience monitoring machinery to identify necessary maintenance or safety issues.
• Understanding of what continuous improvement looks like.
• High proficiency in programming, setting up, and operating CNC mills and lathes for complex parts, with little to no supervision.
• Excellent proficiency with measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, hard gauges, and height gauges.
• Ability to read shop drawings with fluency and communicate the requirements set forth by the drawing to others, if requested.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, and email, and comfort using a computer for information retrieval and storage.
• Ability to lift 40 or more lbs, push heavy carts or crates, and stretch, reach, kneel, or crawl as may be required by certain tasks.

Sitting at the intersection of CNC and manual machining, the CNC Machinist builds parts to print under the minimum supervision of the Machine Shop Group Leader, checking drawings and shop routing for correct revision levels before each run. Operating across machines, cranes, and lift trucks, the CNC Machinist ensures measuring devices stay in current calibration and follows ISO procedures, supporting quality and productivity improvement initiatives on the shop floor.

Duties

• Operate machines as directed by the Group Leader.
• Perform quality checks as required.
• Perform preventative maintenance checks on machines being operated.
• Maintain fluid levels in machines used.
• Move material as needed to facilitate efficient operation using a lift truck or handcart.
• Ensure all measuring devices are in current calibration.
• Use cranes and lifting devices in a safe manner.
• Follow all ISO procedures.
• Check drawings and shop routing for correct revision levels.
• Enter labor reporting into the computer.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and environmentally friendly work environment.
• Load and unload machines.

Requirements

• Lift truck operator's license, or ability to immediately get it through internal training.
• 3 years of current and relevant CNC or manual machining experience.
• Experience operating a lift truck.
• Ability to correctly use a variety of measuring tools.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and manufacture parts to print.
• Able to use a computer to enter labor reporting.
• Ability to provide basic measuring tools.
• Capacity to lift 30 lbs regularly and 40 lbs intermittently.

A key member of the overnight shift, the CNC Machinist delivers conforming parts on 3-axis and 4-axis machining centers, checking work against specifications with precision measuring instruments under ISO 13485 quality procedures. Collaborating across multiple work centers and with the shift lead, the CNC Machinist keeps work order schedules on track and flags manufacturing problems early.

Functions

• Access the ERP system, load control instructions, pull the setup sheet, and load pieces.
• Clean and maintain machines, tooling, and parts, such as replacing dull cutters.
• Listen to machines to detect sounds and make the proper adjustments.
• Ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
• Maintain work order schedules and run multiple work centers following all safety regulations.
• Report manufacturing problems to the shift lead for troubleshooting and resolution.
• Calculate and adjust machine feed and speed when automatic programming is faulty or if the machine malfunctions.
• Understand and apply basic GD&T.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in manufacturing or metalworking.
• Working knowledge of blueprint reading and interpretation.
• Proficiency with 3-axis and 4-axis machining.
• Working knowledge of CNC programs and cutter comp offsets.
• Basic knowledge of cutting tools and G and M codes preferred.
• Ability to understand and follow quality management system procedures related to ISO 13485.
• Ability to understand and follow work instructions and their related data collection documents (e.g., run sheets).
• Experience with basic GD&T and Hurco 3-axis and 4-axis machining.
• Commitment to adhering to all company policies.

Parts that hold GD&T callouts on 2-D drawings depend on the CNC Machinist, who shapes them on vertical machining centers and horizontal lathes through setup, MDI programming, and inspection with manual gauges. Serving as a hands-on member of the machining team, the CNC Machinist shares information with team members to solve technical issues and brings improvement ideas to Lean manufacturing events.

Accountabilities

• Set up and operate CNC vertical machining centers.
• Set up and operate horizontal lathes.
• Perform MDI (Manual Data Input) programming.
• Perform inspection using manual gauges and instruments.
• Monitor and inspect the part throughout the machining process.
• Observe all company quality and safety procedures.
• Communicate and collaborate with team members in sharing information and solving technical issues.
• Participate in Lean manufacturing events.

Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Associate degree in a relevant field, or 3 or more years of experience.
• Understanding of GD&T and ability to read 2-D drawings.
• Strong work ethic, close attention to detail, and great communication skills.
• Willingness to be flexible and work in a team environment.
• Able to manage sensitive and sometimes confidential information.

As the CNC Machinist, this role delivers machine components that meet supplier and customer needs, running multiple machines and handling product changeovers, CNC program modifications, and quality checks with functional gauges. The team leader and team members rely on this work to meet daily goals for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Activities

• Support daily manufacturing work schedules, meeting all goals of safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Perform necessary quality checks of parts, including the effective use of calipers, micrometers, and complex functional gauges.
• Remove chips and swarf from machines to maintain proper machinery operation.
• Perform operator PM of machinery, including required lubrication and maintaining proper oil and coolant levels.
• Work closely with the team leader and team members to achieve necessary work requirements.
• Maintain a clean work environment, including daily cleaning of floors and machinery within the assigned work area.
• Complete any and all necessary forms and paperwork.
• Understand and follow the site's environmental policy and the environmental impacts associated with work activities.

Position Requirements

• Demonstrated self-sufficiency in product changeovers, including CNC program modifications, cutting tool and holder selections, and part checking methods and procedures.
• Strong math skills and part print interpretation skills, including tolerances, GD&T, materials, and processes.
• Ability to properly load and unload materials and parts in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to demonstrate full understanding of complex gauging, including setup and operation.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to make process improvement recommendations.
• Proficiency in basic shop skills, including 5S and safety, obtaining and using manufacturing documents, basic part print understanding, general gauging procedures, refractometer readings and coolant concentration adjustments, general SPC station use, material scrap procedures, ISO guidelines, and productivity database use.
• Able to maintain and operate multiple machines at a time.
• Capacity to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Commitment to focusing on safety first, followed by quality.
• Able to respect all people, work well with people of all levels, and work effectively in a team environment.
• Commitment to being dependable and punctual, with good attendance, and to demonstrating accountability, ownership, and cooperativeness.

CNC Machinists shape complex ceramic parts on CNC grinders, cylindrical mills, lathes, and multi-axis machines, translating blueprints and tolerances into setups and grinding inserts to customer specifications with G and M codes. Success in the position means conferring with engineers, machinists, and production managers to resolve machining or yield problems, lifting productivity and cutting costs through the Kaizen suggestion program.

Operational Focus

• Study blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals, and/or specifications to determine dimensions and tolerances of the finished work piece, sequence of operations, and setup requirements.
• Measure, mark, and scribe dimensions and reference points on material or work piece as guides for machining.
• Select, align, and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials on machines, such as mills, lathes, jig borers, and fixtures.
• Calculate and set controls to regulate machining factors, such as speed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
• Start and observe machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining and adjust machine controls or control media as required.
• Verify conformance of the finished workpiece to specifications, including dimensions and alignment of parts.
• Complete First Article and New Part Introduction processes.
• Set up and operate the machine on a trial run to verify accuracy of machine settings or programmed control data.
• Use G and M codes to move multiple axes to grind inserts to customer specifications.
• Help drive the P5S program and support the Kaizen suggestion program.
• Confer with engineers, machinists, production managers, or others to resolve machining or yield problems.
• Train less experienced operators and machinists.
• Participate in the continuous review of machining processes, focusing on opportunities for improvement in productivity, quality, and cost reduction.
• Assist in the design development process for new parts.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Associate degree or certificate in Machine Technology, or a qualified journeyman program for machining, preferred but not required.
• Experience with multi-axis programming preferred.
• Working knowledge of GD&T concepts, blueprint reading, and G and M codes.
• Basic math skills, with the ability to convert American standard to Metric manually or with a calculator.
• Proficiency with CAM software, preferably SurfCAM.
• Demonstrated independent decision-making skills on day-to-day production tasks.
• Ability to speak verbally and hear.
• Clear close vision, including reading a computer screen and digital tools.
• Able to occasionally lift to 40 lbs, bend and lift, and stand at a workstation for long periods.
• Able to stoop, climb stairs, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required.

The CNC Machinist produces machined parts on both manual and CNC machines, reading prints and route sheets to plan setups and calculating feeds and speeds across a considerable range of operations. Reporting to the project team on issues and documentation, the CNC Machinist sustains quality and quantity productivity standards while maintaining equipment, supplies, and records.

Key Deliverables

• Set up and operate various machines to ensure quality and quantity productivity standards are met.
• Read and analyze prints, layouts, or route sheets to determine setup.
• Calculate feeds and speeds to determine tooling and operation sequences for a considerable range of operations.
• Modify parts as necessary with limited work direction to meet various specifications.
• Identify and communicate with the project team regarding issues and documentation.
• Clean, maintain, and organize the work area and all equipment.

Professional Experience

• Two-year post-high school diploma or certificate in machining or a related field, or a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of 4 years of relevant machining experience.
• Previous CNC programming experience preferred.
• Basic shop math skills, including trigonometry and geometry.
• Ability to read and understand prints.
• Ability to identify and work with various materials and machining processes.
• Able to measure with precision machining measuring tools.
• Good written, verbal, and interpersonal skills necessary to work both independently and cooperatively.
• Ability to provide appropriate hand tools.

Embedded within CNC production for the engine and automotive industry, the CNC Machinist oversees machine setup, from identifying fixtures and holding devices to setting tools with tool offsets, and performs complex edits to G-code programs. Working closely with shop colleagues to report nonconformance found during inspection, the CNC Machinist meets expected safety, quality, on-time, and cost performance through a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Areas of Ownership

• Perform all duties of machine setup, including identifying and using fixtures, holding devices, tool selection, and setting tools with tool offsets.
• Operate the machine safely and effectively by monitoring operations and making adjustments necessary to programs, holding devices, or tooling.
• Perform complex program edits to G-code CNC programs.
• Achieve expected Safety, Quality, On Time, and cost performance with a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Inspect work as required using proper measuring instruments and report non-conformance.
• Perform daily and preventative maintenance tasks on equipment.

Background & Experience

• High school diploma with a technical school education, or equivalent, and working machinist knowledge.
• Minimum of 5 years of CNC machine tool experience.
• Ability to read and interpret work-related machine drawings.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and resolve basic technical problems.
• Expertise in multiple machine tools, e.g., CNC complex or multi-axis Lathe, VMC, HMC.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Able to carry up to 35 pounds in a non-extended position and to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip items.

Reporting to machine shop supervision, the CNC Machinist personally oversees each lathe job from work order and drawing review through tooling, workpiece mounting, and final off-check against print specifications. Partnering with incoming shifts through documented actions and continuing needs, the CNC Machinist shortens changeover time and keeps production and quality logs accurate across runs.

Role Responsibilities

• Examine the work order and drawing of the part to determine machining to be done, dimensional specifications, setup, and operating requirements.
• Retrieve the program from the network, send it to the machine control, and proofread it to verify dimensions, feed rates, and speeds of machining cuts.
• Select and install tooling in tool posts, turrets, indexing heads, or automatic tool change magazines in the sequence specified on the program printout.
• Mount the workpiece in the chuck, on fixtures, between centers, or to a faceplate.
• Start the machining operation, monitor machine performance, and make necessary adjustments to feeds and speeds.
• Check dimensions after first rough cuts and after the check cut, and adjust offsets as needed to achieve finish sizes.
• Check both ends after finish cuts and adjust taper as needed after the first finish pass.
• Verify the part matches print specifications after machining is complete (off check).
• Check the schedule, look at the next work order, and organize materials for the next run, if possible, during automatic cycles to shorten changeover time.
• Set up and operate another machine during automatic controlled machining cycles as required.
• Machine various types of material, including nonmetallic materials.
• Maintain safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations.
• Maintain equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer's instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, and calling for repairs.
• Maintain continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs, and complete production and quality logs.

Required Qualifications

• 4 years of experience in a general machine shop.
• Understanding of mechanics, basic metallurgy, tolerances, tools, mathematics, layout, and machine procedures.
• Working knowledge of tooling geometry and replacement or sharpening practice.
• Working knowledge of health and safety requirements, including but not limited to fire hazards, compressed gases, electrical, chemical, and mechanical devices.
• Ability to run CNC lathes, mills, and drill presses.
• Ability to interpret blueprints.
• Able to use the computer for time tracking purposes and manipulating programs.
• Familiarity with multi-axis CNC capabilities is a plus.
• Ability to follow written or verbal instructions.

Sitting at the intersection of production machining and prototype development, the CNC Machinist develops tooling and work-holding fixtures and executes advanced development process plans while holding tolerances called out on the print. Operating across multiple machines and inspection logs, the CNC Machinist coaches Level I and II Machinists and supports department goals, raising first-pass yield through expert CAM programming and G and M code work.

Job Functions

• Maintain a clean workspace, with all tools stored properly.
• Monitor CNC equipment while manufacturing parts in a manner that promotes safety.
• Inspect work and adjust tool and work offsets as needed to maintain tolerances as called out on the print, Process Plan, or Q&A documentation.
• Provide solutions to complex problems when asked.
• Execute advanced prototype and development process plans.
• Comply with all data collection activities.
• Build and develop tooling and work-holding fixtures.
• Inspect work in process and, when time allows, inspect the work of others.
• Operate more than one machine at times as required.
• Comply with basic maintenance of equipment when required.
• Fill out Non-Conforming Material Reports and Red Tags for Non-Conforming Material.
• Fill out the First Pass Yield Log during inspection.
• Manufacture development work and give feedback where needed with no supervision.
• Work as a team member and support all department and company goals.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school or GED diploma, or trade school certificate, a plus.
• Experience with CNC lathes.
• Good shop math skills and intermediate GD&T.
• Expert understanding of G and M code functions.
• Expert knowledge of CNC machine processes and capabilities, with expert programming skills.
• Strong drawing interpretation and reading skills, with drafting skills a plus.
• Expert tooling knowledge for life and efficiency.
• Advanced skill in the thorough use of hand shop and inspection tools.
• Minimum of 8 years of machining experience on CNC equipment, actively programming Master CAM.
• Ability to work independently or as a member of a team.
• Excellent listening, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coach and mentor Level I and II Machinists.

A key member of CNC milling production, the CNC Machinist runs multiple milling machines, refines and debugs new CNC programs, checking tool offsets and controller functions against technique cards and setup cards. Collaborating across machining activities with others, the CNC Machinist implements production procedures and documentation that help every run meet production and quality standards.

What You'll Do

• Set up and run multiple CNC milling machines as needed.
• Complete cleanup and preventative maintenance of machines during programmed machine runs.
• Edit and develop CNC programs.
• Coordinate and oversee new CNC program testing and debugging.
• Create and implement production procedures, documentation, and communications.
• Check tool offsets and controller program functions.
• Review and follow technique cards, setup cards, and tooling sheets.
• Select proper tooling for machine operation as directed and ensure quality of tooling.
• Meet all production and quality standards.
• Comply with all applicable safety requirements, policies, and procedures while maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly work environment.
• Participate in required training, medical monitoring, safety and health evaluations, and programs.

Skills & Qualifications

• Completion of a CNC machine technology program and at least 2 years of machining experience, including targeting, CNC machining and programming, and blueprint reading, or an equivalent combination of classroom education, apprenticeship, and experience.
• Forklift Driving Safety Training completed as assigned.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow specifications on technique cards, job plans, Quality Control Manuals, blueprints, and drawings.
• Ability to perform advanced shop math.
• Thorough knowledge of tooling and setup procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex machining issues as they arise.
• Able to read and use mechanical measuring devices.
• Able to work independently, with limited supervision.
• Capacity to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to interact and coordinate activities with others.
• Capacity to physically perform the essential job functions.
• Commitment to regular and predictable attendance.
• Willingness to work required overtime.

Scrap-free production hardware depends on the CNC Machinist, who produces profiled, milled, turned, drilled, and ground parts on manual and CNC machines while running block checks to catch tape errors before they reach the part. Based within the shop alongside engineering and the NC Programming Department, the CNC Machinist resolves program errors through timely edits and helps improve department efficiency under Statistical Process Control.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Set up and operate proficiently on different types of manual controlled or CNC machines, such as Profiling, Milling, Turning, Drilling, and Grinding, producing quality production hardware.
• Plan the sequence of operation using available tooling or improving tooling as necessary.
• Work with engineering to help improve processes and the efficiency of the department.
• Meet production time standards on work assignments.
• Use a wide variety of shop precision measuring instruments for setting up and checking work, including comparator charts for first piece buy-off and in-process monitoring of hardware.
• Perform block checks on NC or CNC machines and detect errors in tapes to prevent scrap.
• Assist the NC Programming Department using edits to resolve errors in a timely manner as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or formal training equivalency.
• Training and certification in the elements of the Certified Operator Program and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• 5 or more years of experience in a related industry.
• Good knowledge of practical shop mathematics.
• Able to work from operation sheets, blueprints, and engineering instructions.
• Experience with lathe machines, such as Okuma, Mazak, and Haas.
• Ability to be a self-starter, work in a team environment, and participate in the planning, problem-solving, and implementation of solutions to ensure team success.
• Ability to learn quickly, work well under pressure, and lead others to do the same.

As the CNC Machinist, this role oversees a large Vertical Turning Lathe, making CNC program adjustments and tooling offsets that hold features to tolerances of 0.001 inch as conditions change. The machine shop relies on this work to turn manufacturing instructions and blueprints into accurate parts, while 5S upkeep keeps continuous improvement opportunities visible.

Scope of Work

• Operate a large Vertical Turning Lathe using precision measuring equipment and make adjustments to CNC programs.
• Interpret manufacturing instructions and drawings and possess considerable ingenuity to recommend and make appropriate tooling offsets and fixturing to complement changing conditions.
• Maintain 5S in the work area and look for continuous improvement opportunities.
• Perform routine minor maintenance.
• Read and understand manufacturing documentation, including MIs and blueprints.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two-year relevant technical degree or completion of an apprenticeship program in CNC machining.
• Five years of experience in machine tool operations and CNC programming with CAD/CAM.
• Experience in the manufacturing industry and/or a high-technology environment required.
• Working knowledge of standard machine shop equipment, including lathes, milling machines, and grinders.
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, sketches, diagrams, schematics, and GD&T drawings.
• Able to produce features on parts to tolerances of +/-0.001 inch.
• Ability to write CNC machine code and use CAM/CAD software, such as Mastercam.
• Capacity to produce results under pressure situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality and customer service.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, and with a diverse population.

CNC Machinist refines raw material into machined parts through milling, turning, drilling, tapping, and deburring, then inspects and documents results while moving into fabrication, lay-up, infiltration, and furnace work when other areas need support. The work directly supports engineers on process improvement activities and gives management early notice of defective materials or questionable conditions.

Work Activities

• Perform typical machine shop operations, including, but not limited to, milling, turning, drilling, tapping, de-burring, sawing, and sanding.
• Detect and report defective materials or questionable conditions to management or designee.
• Maintain the work area and equipment in a clean, orderly condition and follow prescribed safety procedures.
• Perform inspection of machined products, including documentation of results.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues.
• Complete and maintain paperwork for parts.
• Assist engineers with process improvement activities.
• Assist in other work areas, including, but not limited to, fabrication, lay-up, infiltration, furnace operation, and sandblasting.

Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Tow motor license, or ability to obtain one and operate in a safe manner.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, follow routers, use simple math to perform basic calculations, and use basic handheld measuring tools.
• Proficiency in working with process sheets.
• Able to frequently lift, push, and pull objects that are 85 pounds or heavier.

The CNC Machinist executes setups on 3- to 5-axis horizontal and vertical machining centers across multiple CNC controls, verifying parts in process against drawing specifications. Reporting to shift supervision and presenting information to other employees, the CNC Machinist monitors cutting tool performance, protecting optimal machining conditions and reducing rework.

Performance Expectations

• Set up and operate 3- to 5-axis horizontal and vertical CNC machining centers.
• Operate manual milling machines, lathes, and overhead cranes.
• Deburr and perform in-process verification of own parts to drawing specifications.
• Use various measuring devices and air tools.
• Monitor cutting tool performance to maintain optimal machining conditions.
• Perform some rework and repair as required.

Position Requirements

• Experience with FANUC and HAAS CNC controls.
• Ability to understand and interpret drawing tolerances and specifications.
• Able to use all equipment safely.
• Very good organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work as a motivated self-starter with minimal supervision.
• Able to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English, and effectively present information to other employees.
• Willingness to accommodate flexible working schedules, including shift work.
• Capacity to supply own basic machinist tools.
• Able to stand for extended periods of time.

Embedded within a shop running CNC mills, CNC lathes, and manual mills, the CNC Machinist creates complex parts from engineering drawings, mounts and aligns tooling and workpieces, and changes cutting tools in the required machining sequence. Working closely with engineering specifications and program software, the CNC Machinist holds reject, scrap, and production rates at acceptable levels across 3 or more machines.

Core Responsibilities

• Perform fabrication on CNC mills, CNC lathes, and manual mills.
• Machine complex parts to comply with drawing specifications.
• Interpret drawings and CNC machine code and produce complex parts to engineering drawings, specifications, tolerance, and program software.
• Maintain acceptable reject and scrap rates and production rates.
• Mount, align, and secure tooling, attachments, and workpiece on the machine.
• Install cutting tools in the machine spindle or tool post.
• Start the machine and monitor displays and machine operations to detect malfunctions.
• Stop the machine to change cutting tools and set up according to the required machining sequence.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1 or more years of experience in a machinist role.
• Ability to set up and run multiple (3 or more) CNC machines.
• Able to read and interpret blueprints.
• Capacity to use equipment and apply measuring skills.
• Ability to program CNC on machining software (e.g., Mastercam).

Reporting to job leaders on various projects, the CNC Machinist coordinates the manufacture of details on vertical and high-speed mills, programming each job in CAM software and holding tight tolerances through finishing. Partnering with other departments on specific needs, the CNC Machinist plans unattended machine time and inspects critical machined areas, keeping injection molding projects moving.

Key Responsibilities

• Program vertical milling machines using Mastercam software.
• Use SolidWorks and communicate with other departments to meet specific needs.
• Run high-speed mills, holding tight tolerances when finishing details.
• Work with job leaders to manufacture details on various projects.
• Inspect and document critical machined areas.
• Keep the work area clean and organized via 5-S mentality.
• Multitask and plan for unattended machine time.

Professional Experience

• High school diploma or G.E.D. preferred.
• Successful completion of trade school and/or apprenticeship program is a plus.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in CNC machining.
• Working knowledge of injection molding is required.
• Ability to work independently or on a team is required.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.
• Willingness to be flexible with work schedules and overtime.