CNC Operator Job Description

Inspecting 100% of a part's characteristics is standard practice on many machining floors, and the CNC Operator is the person holding the gauge. The job belongs to shop-floor production in make-to-order and high-volume machining, where parts are cut to tolerances measured in both metric and inch units, and first-piece verification decides whether a setup runs. Conformance starts here. When a dimension drifts, this operator adjusts offsets or tooling within set limits and escalates anything larger to the setup technician or machinist, which keeps scrap, rework, and late shipments from reaching the customer.

You will own the conformance of every part leaving your assigned machines, serving as the CNC Operator who turns approved programs and setups into shippable components on schedule. Work is shared with production supervisors, team leads, and manufacturing engineers, and the scope covers one machine cell or several running in parallel across a shift.

Career Impact: Hands-on command of tool offsets, in-process gauging, and blueprint tolerances is the credential shops look for when promoting operators into setup work.

Business Impact: Every dimension you verify decides whether product ships to customers on schedule, so inspection accuracy protects on-time delivery and first-pass yield.

Growth Opportunity: Cross-training on grinding, lathe, and multi-axis mill cells prepares operators for promotion to CNC Setup Technician or CNC Machinist.

• Operate CNC mills, lathes, and machining centers to produce parts to engineering drawings, routings, and standard operating procedures.
• Set up machines by loading material, fixtures, and tooling, then prove out first pieces before full production runs.
• Adjust tool offsets, inserts, and machine settings during production to correct dimensional drift and maintain part conformance.
• Inspect parts throughout each run with precision measuring instruments, comparing results against blueprint tolerances and specified finishes.
• Document inspection results, quantities produced, and critical dimensions on process control records and statistical process control charts.
• Perform daily and scheduled preventive maintenance, including lubrication, coolant levels, and machine cleaning, to keep equipment production-ready.
• Escalate non-conforming parts, tooling issues, and machine malfunctions to setup technicians, machinists, or engineering for resolution.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, applying 5S practices and participating in continuous improvement activities.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of CNC machining experience, with hands-on operation of mills, lathes, or machining centers in production.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and process sheets, including tolerances and specified finishes.
• Proficiency with calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other precision measuring instruments for in-process inspection.
• Working knowledge of shop math, including fractions, decimal conversion, and basic trigonometry for machining calculations on the shop floor.
• Ability to make tool offset, insert, and machine adjustments to hold dimensions within specified tolerances.
• Strong attention to detail and a firm commitment to safety procedures, PPE use, and quality requirements.
• Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift to 50 pounds, and work assigned shifts or overtime.

• CNC machining certificate or technical college coursework in CNC programming from an accredited program.
• Ability to read and edit G-code and M-code programs at the machine control to prove out first runs.
• Experience with multi-axis mills, Swiss-type machines, or dual-spindle lathes with live tooling.
• Familiarity with statistical process control, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and lean manufacturing methods such as Kaizen.

• First-pass yield percentage, showing how many parts pass inspection without rework.
• Scrap rate as a percentage of parts produced, tracking setup and adjustment accuracy.
• Setup and changeover time in minutes, measuring how quickly new jobs reach production.
• Cycle-time attainment against standard rate, reflecting throughput at the assigned machine.
• Inspection record completion rate, showing traceability of documented dimensions per run.
• Preventive maintenance completion percentage, reflecting equipment readiness on assigned machines.

• Base Salary Range: $38,000 to $52,000 per year, roughly $18 to $25 per hour
• Bonus: Overtime and shift differential pay, plus occasional attendance or productivity bonuses
• Equity: Typically not offered for hourly production roles
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, often with employer premium contribution
• PTO: 10 to 15 days plus paid holidays, increasing with tenure
• Common Perks: 401(k) match, tuition assistance for machining certificates, and safety gear allowance

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

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States, and any offer of employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check. 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. Reasonable accommodations under the ADA are available on request throughout the hiring process and employment.

The CNC Operator delivers precise dental products from 5-axis milling machines and SLA 3D machines, running in-process inspections and first-level troubleshooting inside a dental products manufacturing cell. Reporting to Production Supervisors and working with CAM and manufacturing engineers, the CNC Operator releases conforming product to shipping so customers receive accurate parts on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures for dental product 5-axis milling machines and SLA 3D machines.
• Observe machine operation to verify accuracy of machine settings and to detect malfunctions.
• Inspect workpieces throughout the production run, perform visual and functional in-process inspections using hand measuring tools and Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), and report results to quality assurance, as needed.
• Install and adjust milling tools, perform regular calibration of the machines, and change operations to different products according to defined Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance of machines according to preventative maintenance plans and procedures to maintain equipment in optimal production condition.
• Act as troubleshooter on 1st-level manufacturing and machine issues.
• Operate all secondary equipment as required within product line or manufacturing cell (parts washer, microscope, batch ovens, coordinate measuring machine (CMM), rotary tools, micrometer, etc.).
• Work in conjunction with other manufacturing departments such as CAM, manufacturing engineers, Production Supervisors, and Team Leads on solving problems in production as well as continuous improvement of workflow and procedures.
• Perform end-product final inspection and release conforming product to the shipping department for distribution to customers.
• Prepare necessary packaging as needed and perform packaging and labeling operations in combination with inspection activities.
• Support the business system through the identification and analysis of quality issues and develop and implement countermeasures in cooperation with production.
• Meet production objectives and on-time delivery by completing daily inspection and/or packaging volumes.
• Document inspection results in both manual documentation and SAP.
• Maintain safety policies and procedures, including 5S initiatives and housekeeping.

Required Qualifications

• GED, High School Diploma, or equivalent work experience.
• Certificate courses on CNC programming and/or CAD/CAM preferred.
• Experience in high-precision production (die making), pharmaceutical production, medical device, aerospace, or automotive industry preferred.
• Two or more years of CNC machining experience on milling machines controlled by Fanuc, Heidenhain, and Roeders preferred.
• Basic knowledge of programming code (Fanuc and/or Heidenhain) and CAD/CAM (Open Mind, Delcam) preferred.
• Ability to use PC-standard software (MS-Office), with basic knowledge of SAP preferred.
• Good analytical and communication skills and a high level of interpersonal skills.
• Ability to act as a practitioner when action is required to solve problems with the machines.
• Capacity to work in a well-organized and structured way with strict follow-up routines.
• Fluency in English.
• Willingness to work in shifts according to the plant's actual model and overtime depending on business demands.
• Able to stand, walk, and bend for 8 hours during work time.
• Able to see through and operate a microscope.

Embedded within a make-to-order manufacturing operation, the CNC Operator shapes compliant parts on Swiss CNC machines by inspecting every part characteristic and making basic tooling and machine adjustments when output drifts. Working closely with the CNC Machinist and Setup Technician, the CNC Operator escalates non-conforming parts before they ship, protecting the quality, cost, and on-time delivery goals of the department.

Core Functions

• Inspect ongoing operation of Swiss CNC machines to ensure manufacture of compliant parts.
• Inspect 100% of characteristics of part to ensure compliance.
• Identify and make basic adjustments to tooling and/or machine necessary to make compliant parts.
• Notify CNC Machinist or Setup Technician as necessary to correct non-conforming parts.
• Convert raw materials into finished product using machines and/or hand-processing.
• Build product to standard rate.
• Complete product and process inspections.
• Complete product and material changeovers (either in entirety or in portions as assigned depending on the complexity of the changeover assigned).
• Work safely and look out for the safety of others.
• Keep area clean and organized.
• Maintain required certifications (if applicable).
• Interface with computer software to find documents and complete data entry.
• Make process adjustments based on quality or process data.
• Perform job duties to meet quality, cost, and on-time delivery goals.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in manufacturing in a custom make-to-order environment.
• Ability to read and understand verbal and written instructions, and read blueprints, drawings, and schematics.
• Good oral and written communication skills, able to explain complex operations and methods clearly and concisely, with technical writing experience preferred.
• Ability to work effectively as a Team Member and maintain a positive attitude.
• Capacity to work at a fast pace to ensure product ships to customers per schedule.
• Willingness to cross-train and be effective in various processes.
• Able to participate in and advise cross-functional project teams.
• Commitment to cooperating with others and treating all with respect.
• Willingness to accept responsibility for own actions and accept feedback from others.
• Willingness to support continuous improvement activities.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Reporting to the manufacturing operation, the CNC Operator I shapes metal workpieces to specification on CNC machining centers, reading process sheets for tolerances in metric and inch so work is done right the first time. Partnering with others at all levels of the organization, the CNC Operator I sustains continuous improvements in quality, cost, delivery, and safety.

Primary Duties

• Interpret basic drawings for tolerances, instructions, and process sheets to execute work to be done right the first time.
• Perform a variety of manufacturing operations using milling, drilling, boring, and turning on CNC machining centers or related operations, including manual cleaning using hand tools.
• Execute and review standard operating procedures, work instruction sheets, and specifications to determine optimized machining sequence, tooling requirements/changes, and measurement of finished workpieces.
• Make necessary cutting tool offsets and adjustments as required to ensure quality is maintained in day-to-day operations.
• Perform a variety of inspection and gauging operations to ensure all quality standards and specifications (metric and inch) are met according to process sheets.
• Perform necessary maintenance of equipment.
• Implement and sustain continuous improvements in quality, cost, delivery, and safety.

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• CNC certificate from an accredited program, accepted instead of the experience requirement.
• One year of CNC experience and/or training in a metal cutting or manufacturing operation is required.
• Ability to use basic math to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units (inch/metric) of measure, using whole numbers and decimals.
• Ability to use and interpret basic quality tools to chart and monitor measurement data as required and read prints.
• Effective communication with others at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to understand work instructions and prepare simple correspondence.
• Practical understanding of workplace cleanliness, organizational skills, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Sitting at the intersection of blueprint interpretation and CNC machine production, the CNC Operator owns the choice of method, program, and setup that makes each fabricated part efficient to run. Operating across a team environment that includes vendors and customers, the CNC Operator documents tooling and fixture issues and resolves operator errors, keeping production safe, accurate, and on schedule.

Duties

• Review machining processes to determine the best available method to fabricate parts with the best program, setup, and machine efficiency.
• Operate Mazak CNC with Mazatrol controls.
• Use calipers, micrometers, bore gages, optical comparators, and other measurement tools.
• Read and interpret blueprints.
• Solve problems related to operator error.
• Adhere to all safety, health, and environmental procedures, policies, and practices, such as using personal protective equipment and proper attire in keeping with safety standards.

Requirements

• Experience with CNC set-up and tool change-outs is a bonus.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of selecting the best tooling for operation and appropriate to the material being machined, with proven ability to provide documentation on tooling and fixture issues.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, employing critical thinking, logic, and reasoning to troubleshoot.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
• Basic computer skills, including PC knowledge and current technology software familiarity.
• Effective time management and organizational skills, with capacity to handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints.
• Comfort working independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to respond professionally in situations with difficult employee, vendor, or customer issues or inquiries.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions well.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and environmental focus.

A key member of a cross-cultural, team-based production environment, the CNC Operator delivers machined workpieces that conform to written specifications, drawings, and rough sketches. Collaborating across engineering, programming, and production personnel, the CNC Operator recommends procedure changes and maintains part traceability, supporting efficient setups and reliable production records.

Functions

• Analyze written specifications, drawings, and rough sketches and take verbal instructions to plan layout and determine sequence of operations.
• Follow work instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Evaluate procedures and recommend changes or modifications for efficiency and adaptability to setup and production.
• Perform inspection of machined product (including documentation of results) and verify conformance of finished workpiece to specifications.
• Confer with engineers, production personnel, programmers, or others to resolve issues.
• Maintain clean and orderly tooling, machine, and work areas.
• Complete and maintain paperwork and traceability for parts.

Experience & Qualifications

• 1 to 4 years of related experience in precision machining, with technical training and/or schooling considered instead of hands-on experience.
• Experience with precision measurement methods and systems.
• Working knowledge of shop math, with trigonometry and geometry a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings/blueprints and process procedures, follow routers, and use basic hand-held measuring tools.
• Experience with networked PC-based computer systems (spreadsheets, Email, MRP systems).
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and procedures closely.
• Able to get along well with others.
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural, team-based environment.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good manual dexterity and the ability to frequently lift, push, and pull a minimum of 50 lbs.

Meeting production schedules for high-precision medical device components depends on the CNC Operator, who builds each job in the order needed while holding standard setup and cycle times. Based within the CNC area of operation, the CNC Operator works from engineering drawings and specifications and documents in-process QA inspections, so components move forward in compliance.

Accountabilities

• Machine appropriate jobs in the order needed to meet production schedules.
• Meet standard production timeframes established for setup and cycle times.
• Operate a variety of CNC equipment to produce high-precision medical device components using engineering drawings and specifications.
• Perform some follow-up operations, such as deburring, polishing, and grinding.
• Perform and document in-process QA inspections.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area consistently.

Technical Qualifications

• High school/GED, or equivalent work experience required.
• 1 or more years of operational experience on a variety of CNC machine tools and controls.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to perform basic shop math calculations.
• Skill in the use of conventional measuring tools and techniques to ensure compliance with technical specifications.
• Working knowledge of basic machine shop tools and equipment.
• Strong safety orientation and ability to maintain high levels of concentration and attention to detail.
• Able to properly wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required for the area of operation, such as gloves, ear protection, eye protection, smocks, etc.

As the CNC Operator, this role shapes machined components through CNC setups, knee-mill, lathe, and drill press operations, then finishes and checks them against engineering drawings and tolerances. Engineering and management rely on this work to keep custom machined products, castings, and fixture components moving through the Continuous Improvement Process.

Activities

• Follow instructions of other Team Members, Management, and Engineering.
• Perform simple and moderate milling, drilling, and tapping operations on a knee mill.
• Perform simple and moderate turning operations on the lathe.
• Perform simple and moderate operations on the drill press.
• Set up CNC machines for machining of parts.
• Load parts on machining fixtures.
• Clean and maintain machines per published Maintenance Schedule.
• Perform simple QC on machined components by comparing measurements to engineering drawings and tolerances.
• Perform metal finishing (polishing), de-burring, and cleaning of machined components that include tooling, custom machined products, machined castings, and fixture components.
• Clean and maintain all areas of the facility per the published Maintenance Schedule.
• Contribute in a positive manner to the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP), meant to improve efficiency, improve safety, improve workflow, and improve quality.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to use basic math skills.
• Capacity to be detail-oriented.
• Able to provide reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.
• Able to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Willingness to be flexible and work overtime as directed.

CNC Operator delivers an acceptable quantity of quality lathe parts each shift, adjusting settings, controls, and tooling when problems arise and inspecting parts with the proper measuring devices. The work directly supports the company's quality management system, since the critical dimensions logged on Process Control Records confirm that conforming product leaves each workstation safely.

Operational Focus

• Load and unload the machines to which the operator is assigned.
• Make adjustments to the lathe settings, controls, and tooling when problems arise.
• Train in the company's quality management system.
• Inspect parts on a consistent basis with the proper measuring device to ensure quality.
• Produce an acceptable quantity of quality parts.
• Train in the company's safety manual.
• Document quantities produced and critical dimensions of parts throughout the day on Process Control Records (PCRs).
• Make sure that all equipment is running safely and effectively.
• Keep the workstation and facility in a neat and orderly manner.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to perform the task at hand in a consistent fashion.
• Competence in using basic measuring devices and ability to learn how to use more complicated measuring tools.
• Ability to comprehend the quality management system and material segregation.
• Willingness to learn new workplace skills.
• Capacity for comprehension of basic mathematics applicable to a manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to producing quality and conforming product.
• Ability to work in a changing environment.
• Commitment to safety-conscious behavior.
• Excellent attendance and punctuality.

The CNC Operator produces large runs of woodworking parts by translating blueprints and mechanical drawings into machine commands and confirming each test run against specifications. Reporting to the woodworking operation, the CNC Operator supervises full machine cycles and makes adjustments that improve results, keeping machinery functioning at its best for daily production.

Key Deliverables

• Prepare and operate CNC machines to perform a variety of tasks.
• Understand specifications of the task and the desired result by reading blueprints, mechanical drawings, etc.
• Translate instructions into computer commands to enable the machines to perform the correct function.
• Prepare and load raw materials and parts onto the machines.
• Conduct a test run to check if the machines produce outputs according to specifications.
• Set machines to complete full cycles to fabricate a large number 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 to ensure the process has been completed properly.
• Check and maintain machinery daily to ensure optimum functionality.

Professional Experience

• Two-year associate's degree preferred.
• Proven experience as a CNC operator.
• Prior experience in the woodworking field preferred.
• Skill in operating CNC machinery and tooling as well as precision measurement tools.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical documents and drawings.
• Good mechanical aptitude and excellent math skills.
• Basic understanding of computer programming and CAD/CAM.

Embedded within a CNC lathe department, the CNC Operator oversees setups, first-piece verification, and statistical process control charting for bar-fed turning, mill work, and multi-spindle automatics. Working closely with the CNC Lead, engineering, and management, the CNC Operator corrects deviations, keeps tooling organized in the mini-cribs, and joins CAPA teams that raise dimensional part conformance and finish.

Areas of Ownership

• Operate, set up, and adjust CNC lathes, and operate and do simple set-ups on CNC mills.
• Operate and adjust auxiliary equipment and operate multi-spindle automatics if work is not available in the department.
• Do operational sequence planning, install chucks and collets, and set bar stock feed mechanism and stops to perform operations such as face, turn, drill, ream, bore, tap, thread, and cut off stock up to the capacity of the machine.
• Set tooling offsets, adjust computer control settings, install tool holders, and read and edit programs using the PC/machine interface.
• Operate machines to produce pilot pieces for first-piece verification to check set-ups and make adjustments to correct variances.
• Check parts produced for dimensional and finish conformance to specifications using all standard, variable, and attribute gauging, and maintain statistical process control charting.
• Correct deviations and notify the lead of any significant deviation.
• Manually clean and deburr parts, assuring all parts are produced with minimum burrs, if any.
• Remove machined parts, bar ends, and turnings from the machine and separate recyclable turnings.
• Keep all tooling used in the area inventoried and organized in the mini-cribs.
• Maintain proper oil and coolant levels and perform equipment-required TPM.
• Participate in the HPT and Continuous Improvement processes and on CAPA teams as required.

Background & Experience

• One or more years of machining experience preferred.
• Ability to use complicated drawings, shop mathematics, handbook formulas, and a variety of precision measuring instruments.
• Able to be computer literate.
• Capacity to use judgment to perform and make decisions as to the sequence of set-ups and operations of CNC lathes.
• Ability to do tool grinding and sharpening and make proper tool selection, including insert grades and coatings.
• Willingness to accept some assistance from the CNC Lead on some extremely difficult jobs.

Reporting to the machine shop, the CNC Operator develops piece parts, prototype parts, and fixtures by setting up lathes, mills, grinders, presses, and CNC machining centers from detailed prints and routings. Partnering with maintenance, the CNC Operator repairs jigs, dies, and shop equipment, keeping machine and building upkeep supplied with accurate parts.

Role Responsibilities

• Receive instructions both verbally and from detailed prints and routings.
• Set up and operate various machine shop equipment to complete assigned tasks, including lathes, milling machines, drill press, surface grinder, tool grinder, horizontal mill, band saws, disc sanders, CNC machining centers, various bench-mounted equipment, shears, saws, punch press, radial drill, decoiler, gang press, press brake, rollers, tubing and pipe benders, torch, routers, grinders, belt/disc sanders, all types of hand tools, electric-powered hand tools, air-powered hand tools, hoists, cranes, and lift trucks.
• Perform operations that include boring, counterboring, turning, tapping, threading, milling, drilling, reaming, broaching, knurling, casting, sawing, grinding, cutting, sharpening, chamfering, and deburring.
• Assist with and/or construct fixtures, jigs, tools, soft vise jaws, and shop aids.
• Produce piece parts and parts for prototypes as well as parts for machine and building maintenance as needed.
• Assist with and/or perform repairs to parts on jigs, fixtures, dies, and shop aids.
• Assist with repairs to machines and equipment in the machine shop as requested or required by maintenance.
• Perform other functions such as moving parts and material, loading and unloading, sweeping, and cleaning.
• Use various measuring and inspection tools and equipment for piece part inspection, compliance, and accuracy verification.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.

Required Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of shop math, blueprint reading, and fraction and decimal conversion.
• Ability to read and understand measuring and inspection equipment and tools.
• Capacity to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (rotating wrists, keyboarding, using small and large tools).
• Capacity to tolerate constant noise (i.e., machine motors).
• Commitment to working safely in the presence of hazardous chemicals and hazardous conditions.
• Ability to follow standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
• Willingness to work outdoors on occasion as well as in other Departments as needed or required by shop workload.

Sitting at the intersection of high-volume output and close part quality, the CNC Operator refines CNC grinding machine setups and adjusts machines whenever dimensions start to shift. Operating across a machine group where operators support one another, the CNC Operator keeps every machine used to capacity, meets assigned production schedules, and follows a training plan built around the product mix.

Job Functions

• Perform and optimize CNC grinding machine setups.
• Maximize utilization of all machines in the group by supporting others as needed.
• Read blueprints and check part dimensions with appropriate measuring instruments.
• Make machine adjustments as required to maintain part quality.
• Accurately use measuring tools and proactively check for proper calibration.
• Accurately perform inspections to document part conformity.
• Observe all safety practices and procedures, performing preventative maintenance and keeping machines lubricated.
• Follow strict safety procedures and maintain a neat and orderly workstation.
• Produce high volumes of parts with exceptional quality.
• Meet production schedules as assigned to the work area and machine.
• Meet training plan assigned for development based on product mix, machines, and methods implemented on the shop floor.

Qualifications & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED at minimum.
• Associate Degree or Diploma from a Technical College or Trade School preferred.
• 2 or more years of CNC milling experience, with experience in machining and cutting operations required.
• Experience in the use of various measuring gauges and equipment.
• Working knowledge of 5S and lean manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and process plans and be detail-oriented.
• Fluency in G and M code and ability to prove out first-run programs daily.
• Comfort working self-directed and in team environments.
• Commitment to learning as an eager and self-motivated learner.
• Proven track record of demonstrating a positive attitude toward colleagues and the work environment.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Good hand-eye coordination and agility, with strong visual acuity and close attention to detail.

A key member of a busy router production team, the CNC Operator develops machine programs from project blueprints and sets up equipment to cut raw materials into functional items. Collaborating with team members while also working independently, the CNC Operator runs test cuts and adjusts cutting paths until each component meets blueprint specifications.

What You'll Do

• Read technical drawings and set up the machines in accordance with these blueprints.
• Perform quality assurance tests to ensure products meet design specifications.
• Adjust machine cutting paths or settings to optimize production while maintaining quality.
• Consider tools required to cut particular materials and program machines accordingly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.

Skills & Qualifications

• 2 or more years of CNC Router operating experience.
• Previous experience working in a manufacturing setting is preferred.
• Familiarity and skill with interpreting technical drawings and blueprints.
• Skill in troubleshooting and resolving mechanical or logistical problems that arise.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and closely follow directions.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds for short periods of time.
• Able to provide reliable transportation.

Accurate laser cutting, drilling, and welding on large-scale hardware depends on the CNC Operator, who advances each job from engineering drawings through dial-indicated fixture setups and fine-tuned program parameters. Serving as a shop-floor source of feedback for design and process engineers, the CNC Operator reports manufacturing and process improvement findings that sharpen future designs.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Jog and dry-run CNC machine to set up processing.
• Dial indicate laser fixtures according to setup instructions.
• Operate fiber laser equipment.
• Perform CNC system programming, both at the machine control and with offline CAM software.
• Perform in-process inspection using calipers, pie tapes, micrometers, and dial indicators.
• Perform fine-tune adjustments to programs and process parameters to yield desired results.
• Provide manufacturing feedback to design engineers.
• Provide process improvement feedback to process engineers.
• Work safely within an industrial environment.

Requirements

• 2 or more years of experience.
• Experience as a crane operator or lift coordinator.
• Understanding of laser optics and how it pertains to processes such as laser cutting, drilling, welding, and part setup.
• Knowledge of different laser fixture setups and laser safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Competence in CNC G-code language, online programming, and CNC offline CAM programming.
• Ability to set up and precisely position large-scale hardware.
• Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Ability to operate manual machine tools (basic lathe, mill).

As the CNC Operator, this role oversees CNC router and machine production in an industrial environment, from setting tool registers and offsets to proving part programs and replacing worn tools. The production team counts on the resulting production and quality logs to track settings, measurements, and malfunctions, which keeps operations safe and aligned with quality assurance procedures.

Scope of Work

• Maintain safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations as well as to quality assurance procedures.
• Maintain the CNC machine.
• Set up the machine and tools and load and unload material.
• Enter instructions into machine SW or enRoute/Illustrator to create a layout file.
• Perform zero and reference points, set tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches, and prove part programs.
• Monitor and adjust the machine as required during production.
• Verify settings, take measurements, detect malfunctions, troubleshoot processes, adjust and edit or reprogram controls, and replace worn tools.
• Document actions by completing production and quality logs.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school or a technical school education.
• 1.5 or more years of experience in a similar position in an industrial environment.
• Proven experience in generating and editing CNC programs and working on CNCs, CNC routers, or similar equipment.
• Experience with Fusion360 software and CNC HAAS machines.
• Capacity to work in a well-organized and methodical way and pay attention to detail.
• Comfort working as a team player and a great collaborator.
• Good communication verbally and in writing.
• Able to stand for extended periods of time and to carry heavy loads.

CNC Operator produces paint-ready metal parts to schedule, running a lean cell where a laser punch and press brake operate at the same time with the right material, tooling, and programs loaded. Success in the position means communicating issues early to the CNC programmer and maintenance, keeping consumables changed and scrap cleared so every scheduled part leaves the cell on time.

Work Activities

• Operate CNC press brake, punch press, and laser punch.
• Select and load material, tooling, and programs to manufacture parts to a schedule.
• Operate a lean cell where the operator is expected to simultaneously operate a laser punch and press brake to produce paint-ready parts.
• Operate CNC turret punch, CNC laser punch, and CNC press brake.
• Load programs using required software applicable to the equipment used.
• Program basic parts and geometries using the machine control.
• Select and load tooling for punching or bending.
• Change laser consumables and set up for operation.
• Load materials into machines.
• Remove scrap, cutting dross, and slag to the appropriate bins.
• Communicate issues effectively to the CNC programmer and maintenance.
• Perform basic operator preventative maintenance.

Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• Previous CNC operator experience and/or light metal fabrication experience.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
• Ability to use measurement tools, including calipers, tape measure, and go/no-go gauges.
• Able to qualify to operate a forklift.
• Capacity to lift 50 lbs and 20 lbs overhead.
• Able to bend, squat, stoop, twist, turn, and reach.

The CNC Operator executes close-tolerance parts on multi-axis mills and dual-spindle lathes with live tooling, working from engineering blueprints and optimizing cycle times and tool life. Reporting to supervision with minimal oversight, the CNC Operator prepares the next setup during cycle time and joins Kaizen events that shorten machine switchovers and setup times.

Performance Expectations

• Machine parts to very close tolerances and specified finishes, working from engineering blueprints.
• Adjust offsets on the machine and change inserts and tools as needed.
• Inspect and approve own machined parts and conduct Statistical Process Control as required.
• Check and verify machine maintenance has been done on equipment.
• Edit programs to machine special parts and tools when required.
• Set up and operate various CNC mills and lathes, ensuring machine cycle times and tool life are optimized.
• Tear down set-ups and prepare tooling for the next job prior to finishing the current job, such as preparing the next set-up while the machine is in cycle time.
• Continuously improve machine set-up times and switchovers and participate in Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI) Kaizen.
• Assist with equipment not yet familiar to gain experience and learn new processes, for example, CNC grinding equipment.

Position Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• CNC machining certificate preferred.
• 3 to 5 years of successful experience operating various CNC mills and lathes, including 5-axis mills and dual-spindle CNC lathes with live tooling.
• Working knowledge of metallurgy and various raw materials, including plastics.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of speeds and feeds based on various raw materials being machined.
• Thorough knowledge of machining codes and ability to pass a programming codes competence test.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Ability to use micrometers, calipers, height gage, and all other precision measuring equipment, including the comparator.
• Working knowledge of programming helpful but not necessary.
• Familiarity with related Job Safety Analysis (JSA).