CNC Machinist

Job Title: CNC Mill/Lathe Operator
Department: Manufacturing / Machine Shop Reports
To: Production Supervisor or Machine Shop Manager Employment
Type: Full-Time FLSA
Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The CNC Mill/Lathe Operator is responsible for operating, and monitoring CNC milling and lathe machines to produce precision parts according to drawings, specifications, work orders, and quality standards. This role requires strong attention to detail, safe work practices, basic troubleshooting skills, and the ability to inspect parts using precision measuring tools.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate CNC mills and lathes to produce parts that meet blueprint, specification and tolerance requirements.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, setup sheets and job travelers.
• Load materials, select tools, install fixtures, and set machine offsets, feeds and speeds as required.
• Run production parts after first-piece approval and monitor machine operation throughout the production cycle.
• Perform in-process and final inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges and other precision measuring instruments.
• Make basic adjustments for tool wear, offsets and dimensional accuracy; notify supervision or programming support when larger edits are needed.
• Identify worn or damaged tooling and replace inserts, drills, end mills and other tooling as needed.
• Maintain quality records, inspection logs, production counts and required documentation accurately.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and safe machine operation practices.
• Perform routine machine cleaning, basic preventative maintenance and housekeeping duties to maintain an organized work area.
• Report nonconforming parts, machine issues, tooling concerns or safety hazards to the supervisor promptly.
• Support continuous improvement efforts to improve productivity, reduce scrap and maintain consistent quality.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training in machining, manufacturing or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 1–3 years of CNC mill and/or lathe operation experience preferred.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, dimensions, tolerances, and basic GD&T callouts.
• Working knowledge of CNC machine operation, tooling, fixtures, offsets, and basic machine shop practices.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and verify parts to specification.
• Basic math skills, including decimals, fractions, geometry and measurement conversions.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, work independently and communicate effectively with team members.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, punctuality and commitment to quality and safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Fanuc or similar CNC controls.
• Experience operating both CNC mills and CNC lathes in a production environment.
• Ability to perform basic program edits or offset adjustments.
• Experience working in ISO, AS9100, lean manufacturing or quality-controlled production environments.
• Familiarity with ERP (Epicor a plus)
• NIMS, machining or manufacturing certifications are a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach and use hands and fingers for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to visually inspect parts and read measuring instruments, drawings and machine displays.
• Ability to work around moving mechanical parts, cutting fluids, metal chips and moderate to loud noise levels.