CNC Programmer/Operator

Amsted Rail is looking for a CNC Programmer/Operator at our Greenville, SC location. The CNC Programmer/Operator will Create, optimize, and run CNC programs for horizontal machining centers (HMC), vertical machining centers (VMC), and CNC turning centers on the production floor using Mastercam. Perform efficient setups, prove‑outs, first‑article runs, and in‑process adjustments to meet safety, quality, and productivity targets. Provide hands‑on machine operation support across shifts, coach operators on best practices. Drive cycle‑time reduction, tool life optimization, and ‘quality at the source’ across assigned machining assets.

Main Responsibilities:

Safety, 5S & Continuous Improvement

• Follow and enforce PPE, guarding, and Lock‑Out/Tag‑Out (LOTO) requirements on all machining assets.
• Identify and correct unsafe machine conditions; escalate guarding or interlock concerns.
• Lead or participate in 5S events for machining cells; sustain visual standards.
• Track and improve OEE drivers: availability, performance, and quality where data is available.

CNC Programming & Optimization

• Generate, import, and post CNC programs (MasterCam or equivalent) for HMC, VMC, and turning centers.
• Edit G- & M‑code at the control to resolve issues, optimize feeds/speeds, correct toolpaths, and improve surface finish.
• Perform cycle‑time studies; recommend and implement reductions through toolpath changes, canned cycles, high‑efficiency strategies, and SMED changeover methods.
• Standardize program naming, revision control, and document control practices.
• Coordinate with Engineering on new part introductions and design‑for‑manufacturability feedback.

Machine Setup & Operation (HMC / VMC / Turning)

• Perform full setups: workholding, tooling, touch‑off, offsets, probing (if equipped), coolant and program load.
• Run first article; verify features to print, adjust tool wear and work offsets, and update control notes.
• Operate machines in production mode; monitor tool wear, chip evacuation, and repeatability across lots.
• Support quick changeovers between part numbers; apply SMED principles to reduce spindle downtime.
• Troubleshoot alarms, tool breakage, chatter, and dimensional drift; escalate when needed.
• Specify cutting tools, holders, extensions, and pull studs appropriate to material, reach, and tolerance requirements.
• Inspect and prep raw material, fixture alignments, and reference datums prior to machining.
• Support preventative maintenance (PM) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) tasks on assigned machine groups.

Quality & Documentation

• Perform in‑process and final inspection using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, bore gages, height gages, indicators, CMM reports where applicable).
• Drive ‘Quality at the Source’ by programming in‑machine probing / macros or by creating operator inspection checkpoints.
• Document setup sheets, tooling lists, and critical characteristic inspection steps for repeat runs.
• Participate in root‑cause / corrective‑action activities for scrap, rework, or customer returns.

Training & Operator Development

• Train CNC operators in program loading, setup steps, tool presetter, offsets, tool changes, part inspection, and basic editing.
• Coach operators on reading prints, understanding GD&T basics, and responding to SPC