Per Diem CNC Machinist

Travel Machinist

The Travel Machinist sets up and operates CNC machining centers, manual and CNC mills, manual lathes, and related equipment to produce precision, large-scale parts in a timely and accurate manner. This role requires independent machine setup, tooling changes, and quality checks using precision measuring instruments, while working primarily on night shifts in a large, multi-building machine shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC machining centers, manual and CNC mills, and manual lathes to produce precision parts according to specifications.
• Align and securely fasten holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines prior to operation.
• Select appropriate tools and materials for each job in preparation for machining work.
• Machine parts to exact specifications using CNC mills, lathes, and grinders, ensuring adherence to required tolerances.
• Set up, adjust, and operate all basic machine tools, including 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machines with Fanuc and Siemens controls.
• Calculate dimensions and tolerances using micrometers, depth micrometers, inside diameter gauges, outside diameter gauges, calipers, and other precision instruments.
• Read and interpret blueprints and gauging sheets to determine machining requirements and inspection criteria.
• Perform independent machine setups that may take 2–3 hours of the shift, or continue production on setups completed by the previous operator.
• Operate hoists to safely load large parts onto machining centers, lathes, or mills, using overhead lifting equipment on all machines.
• Coordinate with fork truck operators who deliver parts and materials to the workstation, without needing to move material independently.
• Work with tool crib personnel to ensure required tooling is delivered to the station and maintain proper tool usage and care.
• Conduct own quality checks on every part produced, using gauges and following established check sheets within the Plex computer system.
• Maintain tight machining tolerances, including +/- 0.001" and 0.004–0.005" of an inch, depending on part requirements.
• Machine large-scale parts made from cast iron, rolled steel, and carbon steel, ensuring proper handling and precision.
• Move between different machines as needed, including mills, lathes, and machining centers, to support production demands.
• Follow established orientation, safety procedures, and operational rules consistent with facility standards.
• Adhere to shift schedules, including night shift hours and designated meal breaks, while maintaining consistent attendance and communication.
• Support production for a wide range of brands and industries, including heavy equipment, oil and gas, aerospace, and mining applications.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on CNC machining experience on lathes and mills.
• Proven ability to independently set up CNC and manual machines, including fixturing, tooling, and program verification.
• Ability to independently change tooling and make necessary adjustments during production.
• Experience working with large-scale parts and overhead lifting equipment such as hoists.
• Strong blueprint reading skills, including the ability to interpret dimensions, tolerances, and machining notes.
• Proficient use of precision quality tools, including micrometers, depth micrometers, inside diameter gauges, and outside diameter gauges.
• Demonstrated ability to hold tight machining tolerances of +/- 0.001" and 0.004–0.005" of an inch.
• Comfort working with materials such as cast iron, rolled steel, and carbon steel.
• Ability to perform own in-process inspection and quality checks on every part using established check sheets and gauges.
• Willingness and ability to work night shifts on a consistent schedule.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with Fanuc controls.
• Programming experience on CNC machines.
• Past machining experience on parts for heavy equipment manufacturers such as CAT or Komatsu.
• Manual machining experience on mills and lathes.
• Experience with 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machines, including brands such as Wester Bennett, Toshiba, and UG machines.
• Familiarity with using Plex or similar manufacturing execution or quality tracking systems.
• Ability to work across mills, lathes, and machining centers and adapt to different machines as production requires.
• Preparedness to bring a personal tool list that can be certified by the facility.
• Comfort working with large-scale industrial equipment and in a high-production machine shop environment.

Why Work Here?

Join a large, established machine shop that supports heavy equipment, oil and gas, aerospace, and mining industries, offering exposure to advanced multi-axis CNC technology and a wide variety of complex, large-scale parts. Enjoy a structured travel opportunity, clear safety-focused orientation, and a culture that values craftsmanship, precision, and professional conduct. The environment provides opportunities to broaden your experience across multiple machines and brands, build your skills with tight-tolerance work, and contribute to high-impact industrial projects.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large machine shop with multiple buildings, supporting heavy equipment, mining, gear cutting, oil and gas, and aerospace work. The facility operates a wide range of CNC equipment, including 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machines with Fanuc and Siemens controls, Wester Bennett, Toshiba, and UG machines, and large-scale hoist-equipped workstations. Parts and tooling are delivered to the machinist's station via fork trucks and tool crib services, minimizing material handling. The primary schedule is night shift, Friday through Tuesday, from approximately 7:30 PM to 6:00 AM, with a 30-minute meal break in or near the middle of the shift. Training takes place on day shift Monday through Thursday from about 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, beginning with a safety-focused orientation before transitioning to nights. The shop handles cast iron, rolled steel, and carbon steel, and emphasizes adherence to established attendance, calling-in procedures, and safety rules. The environment is industrial, fast-paced, and focused on precision machining of large parts using hoists and other heavy equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $37.00 - $37.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.