CNC Operator - 1st & 2nd Shift Opportunities

Job Description

Job Description

About Craftsmen IndustriesCraftsmen Industries custom manufactures unique specialty trailers and vehicles and large format printed elements for experiential marketing and industrial solutions for brands across the industry spectrum including Boeing, PepsiCo, and Anheuser-Busch. We pride ourselves on creating our products fully in-house from initial design and engineering to fabrication and the finishing touches of graphics and paint. Our Craftsmen team includes one subsidiary, Schantz Manufacturing. Schantz focuses on custom manufacturing of concession trailers for the fair and festival industry. Guided by our values, we BUILD by helping bring ideas to life in a dynamic and collaborative environment and we're looking for talented individuals to grow with us!What Do We Offer?Competitive compensation.Career development opportunities.Benefits including but not limited to Medical, Dental and Vision.401(k) Match and Much More!Position Title: CNC Operator - 1st and 2nd Shift OpportunitiesLocation: St. Charles, MOA CNC Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining CNC machining equipment used to manufacture precision components for custom trailers, displays, and specialty vehicles. This position requires the ability to accurately interpret engineering drawings, select appropriate tooling, verify dimensions, and produce quality parts that meet customer and engineering specifications. A successful candidate will possess strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement, quality, and safety.This work environment is dynamic and versatile in nature, where employees are expected to wear multiple hats and handle a variety of tasks. This role requires a high level of adaptability, as daily tasks and priorities may shift based on production schedules and customer requirements. Employees gain hands-on experience across multiple manufacturing disciplines while developing advanced CNC machining and manufacturing skills.Primary Responsibilities:Promote and maintain a safe work environment by following company safety policies, OSHA standards, and proper use of PPE.Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, routers, plasma tables, or other CNC equipment to manufacture components according to engineering drawings and specifications.Read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, work orders, setup sheets, and technical specifications to determine machining requirements.Load materials, fixtures, and tooling while ensuring proper machine setup and alignment.Monitor machine operation and make approved offsets or adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface finish requirements.Verify dimensions and tolerances using precision measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and gauges.Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections to ensure parts meet quality standards.Identify machining issues, tooling wear, or equipment concerns and communicate them to Team Leads, Supervisors, or Engineering personnel.Replace worn tooling and perform routine machine maintenance, lubrication, and housekeeping.Deburr, clean, and prepare machined components for assembly, welding, finishing, or inspection.Maintain accurate production, inspection, and quality documentation as required.Assist with fixture changes, tooling organization, and machine changeovers to support production schedules.Work under supervision to meet customer specifications, quality requirements, and production deadlines.Maintain equipment, tools, and workstations in a clean, organized, and safe condition.Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on machining quality, efficiency, setup reduction, and waste elimination.Follow all safety procedures and utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).Assist with material handling, loading, unloading, and movement of raw materials and finished components throughout the facility.Other duties as assigned.Required Skills:High School Diploma or equivalent.2+ years of experience operating CNC machining equipment in a manufacturing environment; or equivalent technical education/training.Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, setup sheets, and technical work instructions.Ability to accurately use precision measuring equipment including calipers, micrometers, tape measures, gauges, and indicators.Basic understanding of machining principles, tooling, feeds and speeds, and material properties.Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to safely operate CNC equipment and related manufacturing machinery.Strong attention to detail with a commitment to producing high-quality, precision parts.Ability to identify dimensional discrepancies and make basic machine adjustments or offsets within established procedures.Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Must be safety-conscious with strong housekeeping habits.Effective verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with production teams.Ability to work independently while maintaining productivity and quality standards.Ability to learn forklift operation and material handling procedures.Must be willing to work overtime when necessary to meet project deadlines and customer commitments.Must demonstrate a consistent and stable work history.Preferred QualificationsCompletion of a CNC Machining, Precision Manufacturing, Machine Tool Technology, or related technical training program.Associate degree or vocational certification in Manufacturing Technology or a related field.3+ years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.Experience operating CNC mills, lathes, routers, plasma cutting tables, or multi-axis machining centers.Experience with G-code, CNC controls (Fanuc, Haas, Siemens, or similar), and machine setup procedures.Experience machining aluminum, steel, stainless steel, plastics, and other manufacturing materials.Experience in custom fabrication, prototype manufacturing, or low-volume/high-mix production environments.Ability to independently perform machine setups, tooling changes, program verification, and first-piece inspections with minimal supervision.Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), machining tolerances, cutting tools, and manufacturing best practices.Experience with CAD/CAM software or editing CNC programs is a plus.Physical Requirements:Physically able to stand up to 8+ hours per day.Must have the ability to hear and respond to auditory signals, distinguish tones and pitches in equipment, and use hearing protection during specific tasks. Must be able to lift/carry up to 75 lbs.Must be able to stand, walk, sit, stoop, squat, kneel, climb, balance, and reach overhead.Vision abilities required by this job include close and/or color vision, and ability to adjust focus.Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures.Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.Physically able to use Respiratory protection, as needed.Craftsmen Industries (and its subsidiaries) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This means that we consider all applicants for employment and employees eligible for employment without regard to race, marital status or civil union status, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or any other characteristic protected by law. We also provide reasonable accommodations to our applicants and employees with disabilities in order to assist them in the performance of their essential job functions.To learn more visit or