CNC Machinist - Lathe, Mill & Conversational Mill Operator I/II

Job Description

Job Description

CNC Machinist – Lathe, Mill & Conversational Mill Operator I/II

Full-Time | Hourly
Direct Placement | Non-Exempt

Available Shifts

• 2nd Shift: 2:48 PM – 11:18 PM
• 3rd Shift: 10:48 PM – 7:18 AM
• Weekend Shift: Saturday, Sunday & Monday | 6:48 AM – 7:18 PM

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a dependable, mechanically inclined, safety-conscious CNC machinist who takes pride in producing accurate, high-quality parts. Candidates should be comfortable reading blueprints, performing machine setups, selecting and changing tooling, inspecting their own work, troubleshooting machining issues, and making adjustments to maintain quality and production requirements.

Experience with CNC lathes, CNC mills, and/or conversational CNC mills is highly desirable. Conversational Mill candidates should have experience creating programs, setups, and processes for new parts directly at the machine control.

Experienced machinists capable of independently handling complex setups, CNC program edits, troubleshooting, and process improvements may qualify for Operator II , while candidates with at least one year of relevant CNC experience and a solid machining foundation may be considered for Operator I .

Position Summary

Seeking CNC Lathe, CNC Mill, and CNC Conversational Mill Operators to safely and efficiently manufacture precision components while consistently meeting quality and production requirements.

Positions range from Operator I through Operator II , depending on demonstrated machining experience, setup capabilities, programming knowledge, troubleshooting ability, and level of independence.

Operators machine metals including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum and may be required to hold extremely close tolerances—as tight as .0002" . Successful candidates will combine strong mechanical aptitude with blueprint interpretation, precision measurement, machine setup, tooling knowledge, and problem-solving skills.

Primary Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes, CNC mills, and/or conversational CNC mills .
• Machine steel, stainless steel, and aluminum to close tolerances, including work as tight as .0002" .
• Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, process sheets, routing information, and dimensional specifications .
• Determine machining operations, setup requirements, tooling, and inspection requirements from prints and job documentation.
• Perform machine setups, including installing appropriate chuck jaws, fixtures, workholding, and tooling .
• Mount workpieces in chucks, faceplates, or fixtures as required.
• Select, install, and preset cutting tools.
• Understand and determine appropriate machine speeds and feeds .
• Inspect first-run and in-process parts using precision measuring instruments to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Monitor CNC controls and make necessary dimensional, tooling, feed, speed, and offset adjustments .
• Read and edit existing CNC programs according to experience level.
• Perform CNC program edits for troubleshooting and process improvements .
• Create programs, setups, and machining processes for new parts when required.
• Override programs or adjust machine controls when necessary to correct machine performance.
• Troubleshoot machining problems involving tooling, setup, dimensions, surface finish, machine performance, and part quality.
• Inspect work against prints using appropriate inspection equipment.
• Monitor and maintain machine fluid levels.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance.
• Review job packets and prepare materials and tooling for upcoming jobs to reduce setup and cycle times.
• Operate additional machine tools during machining cycles when practical.
• Cross-train on other plant machinery as required.

CNC Conversational Mill Requirements

Conversational Mill Operators should be comfortable combining traditional machining skills with machine-side conversational programming .

Responsibilities may include:

• Creating programs, setups, and processes for new parts
• Entering machining operations and parameters directly at the machine control
• Selecting and installing appropriate tooling
• Establishing and adjusting offsets
• Determining appropriate feeds and speeds
• Editing programs for troubleshooting and process improvement
• Reading blueprints and translating print requirements into machining operations
• Inspecting completed work using precision measuring instruments
• Making dimensional corrections to keep parts within specification

Candidates should have a strong understanding of machining fundamentals in addition to conversational machining experience.

Operator I Qualifications

Operator I candidates should generally have:

• High school diploma or GED and related experience
• At least 1 year of CNC Mill or CNC Lathe experience , depending on the position
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to interpret and follow blueprints
• Ability to understand and follow routing steps
• Ability to inspect work and meet quality requirements
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on skills
• Ability to perform machine setups, including installing proper chuck jaws and tooling
• Ability to read and use precision measuring equipment
• Basic CNC programming or program-editing knowledge
• Setup and tooling knowledge
• Understanding of feeds, speeds, and gearing technology
• Basic understanding of equipment and machining processes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Basic hand tools

Operator II Qualifications

Operator II candidates should generally have 3+ years of proven CNC lathe or mill experience and demonstrate a greater degree of independence in setup, programming, troubleshooting, and inspection.

Level II candidates should be capable of:

• Independently performing the majority of assigned machine setups
• Reading and interpreting complex blueprints and machining instructions
• Using precision inspection equipment without supervision
• Selecting appropriate tooling and determining feeds and speeds
• Reading CNC programs
• Performing advanced CNC program edits
• Running programs in single-block mode
• Making tooling, offset, and dimensional adjustments
• Troubleshooting machining problems not specifically addressed on setup sheets
• Demonstrating strong tooling, fixturing, layout, and machining-process knowledge
• Identifying and implementing process improvements
• Performing equipment maintenance and tool sharpening as needed
• Training or assisting less-experienced CNC operators

Critical Skills & Attributes

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Trustworthiness: Honest, reliable, and accountable
• Adaptability: Able to remain effective in a changing manufacturing environment
• Approachability: Communicates effectively and works well with others
• Curiosity: Willing to learn, ask questions, develop new machining skills, and continually improve
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with production, quality, engineering, and other team members

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds at times
• Ability to safely perform hands-on machine setup, tooling, inspection, material handling, and production responsibilities throughout the shift

We are a DIRECT hire company out of Indiana helping companies all over the US.

Company Description

We are a DIRECT hire company out of Indiana helping companies all over the US.