Skilled Machinist

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor a variety of CNC machines to perform machining operations and manufacture components in accordance with engineering drawings, technical specifications, and established production requirements.

• Develop, edit, optimize, and qualify CNC programs to ensure accurate, efficient, and repeatable machining processes that consistently meet dimensional tolerances and print requirements.

• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, work instructions, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) requirements to determine appropriate machining methods, tooling, workholding, and operational sequences.

• Perform complete CNC machine setups, including tool installation, workpiece loading, fixture alignment, offset adjustments, program verification, and first-piece inspections to ensure production readiness.

• Conduct machining operations for both standard production runs and specialized manufacturing requirements, ensuring parts meet established quality standards and production schedules.

• Monitor machining processes, inspect finished components, and make necessary adjustments to machine settings, cutting parameters, tool offsets, and programs to maintain product accuracy and process consistency.

• Track cutting tool performance and tool life, replacing worn, damaged, or ineffective tooling as needed to maintain machining efficiency, surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and equipment reliability.

• Troubleshoot CNC programming errors, machining inconsistencies, equipment issues, tooling challenges, and other in-process production problems, implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime and prevent recurring defects.

• Perform setups for other production personnel, ensuring machines are properly configured, programs are verified, tooling is available, and setup instructions are clearly documented for consistent execution.

• Machine prototype components, complex geometries, and specialized parts that may require advanced programming techniques, detailed setup procedures, and additional process verification.

• Conduct in-process and final inspections using appropriate measuring instruments, precision gauges, and inspection equipment to verify dimensional accuracy and compliance with specifications.

• Maintain accurate production records, setup documentation, inspection results, tooling information, and operational notes to support traceability, process consistency, and continuous improvement.

• Provide written feedback on new and repeat production jobs, identifying opportunities to improve machining methods, reduce cycle times, optimize tool usage, enhance part quality, and increase overall productivity.

• Collaborate with engineering, quality assurance, production, maintenance, and other manufacturing personnel to resolve technical issues, improve workflow, and achieve operational objectives.

• Provide technical guidance, instruction, and hands-on support to machine operators, junior machinists, and other production personnel regarding machine operation, setup procedures, programming practices, and quality expectations.

• Work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize assignments effectively, and exercise sound judgment when addressing machining challenges, production requirements, and competing deadlines.

• Maintain CNC equipment, work areas, tooling, fixtures, and related equipment in an orderly and operational condition, performing routine maintenance activities and reporting equipment concerns as appropriate.

• Follow established safety procedures, manufacturing standards, quality requirements, and operating practices to maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, reduce scrap and rework, minimize machine downtime, and increase production efficiency while maintaining consistent quality standards.

• Adapt to changing production priorities, new product requirements, revised engineering specifications, and evolving manufacturing processes while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) credential required.

• Approximately 3–6 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including hands-on experience operating, setting up, and troubleshooting CNC machinery.

• Demonstrated ability to set up and operate CNC equipment and perform machining operations in accordance with engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.

• Working knowledge of CNC programming, including the ability to write, edit, verify, and optimize programs to produce parts that meet required tolerances and quality standards.

• Familiarity with CNC machine controls, machining processes, cutting tools, workholding devices, fixtures, offsets, speeds, feeds, and appropriate tooling selection.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, manufacturing instructions, dimensional tolerances, and GD&T requirements to determine appropriate machining approaches.

• Experience performing machine setups, verifying program accuracy, conducting first-piece inspections, and preparing equipment for production runs.

• Proficiency in using precision measurement instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, height gauges, and other inspection tools, to verify component dimensions.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes of machining issues and implement effective corrective actions.

• Understanding of machining quality requirements, inspection practices, process documentation, and methods for preventing defects and reducing scrap.

• Ability to monitor tooling condition, evaluate tool wear, perform tool changes, and make appropriate adjustments to maintain machining accuracy and productivity.

• Experience machining prototype parts, complex components, or close-tolerance features is beneficial.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing priorities, meeting deadlines, and maintaining consistent production quality.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy, repeatability, efficiency, and adherence to established manufacturing standards.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document setup procedures, communicate technical issues, and provide clear operational feedback.

• Ability to share technical knowledge and provide guidance to operators, junior machinists, and other team members as needed.

• Willingness to collaborate with cross-functional teams, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and support evolving production requirements.

• Familiarity with workplace safety practices, machine guarding requirements, equipment operating procedures, and proper handling of tools and materials.

• Ability to maintain organized work areas, follow established procedures, and demonstrate accountability for equipment, product quality, and assigned responsibilities.

• Ability to perform the essential physical and operational demands of a manufacturing environment, including standing for extended periods, handling materials and tooling, and working around industrial machinery, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• CNC Tooling
• CNC Programming
• G-Code
• M-Code
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Machine Geometry & Alignment