CNC Machinist - 1st or 2nd Shift (Level determined based on experience)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Job Title: CNC Operator

Department: Production

Reports To: Production Supervisor & Machining Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

CNC Operators produce precision parts by running CNC equipment in a safety-first, quality-focused, standards-driven environment. They follow work instructions, read prints, conduct in-process inspections, and maintain equipment cleanliness. All levels participate in problem solving and continuous improvement.

CNC Operator- LEVEL I

Focus: Run stable jobs with close supervision.

Core Responsibilities:

· Load/unload parts; start/stop jobs and monitor cycle consistency.

· Perform basic gauging (calipers, micrometers, height gage).

· Perform basic wear offset adjustments with approval.

· Identify tool wear, burrs, or other non-conforming conditions.

· Follow chip/coolant/housekeeping standards.

· Run multiple machines within a cell.

· Debur product.

Skills & Knowledge:

· Basic blueprint reading; understanding standard work.

· Intro to tool wear and surface finish indicators.

Decision Making & Autonomy:

· Work from detailed instructions; require frequents checks, report issues promptly.

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CNC Operator – LEVEL II

Focus: Run machines independently and maintain stable quality.

Core Responsibilities:

· Independently perform wear offsets.

· Change standard tools (inserts, drills).

· Perform first-piece checks.

· Run 2-3 machines within a cell.

· Complete SPC checks and react to data trends.

· Document findings and escalate root-cause clues.

· Debur product.

Skills & Knowledge:

· Intermediate blueprint reading.

· Offset strategy; basic tool life tracking.

Decision Making & Autonomy:

· Prioritizes work within assigned cell.

· Initiates simple problem solving.

Qualifications:

· 1-3 years of CNC experience or equivalent certificate/apprenticeship

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CNC Operator – LEVEL III

Focus: Complete standard setups and prove out repeat jobs.

Core Responsibilities:

· Full setups from setup sheets (work holding, tool loading, offsets).

· Minor program edits (feeds, speeds, cutter comp, safe retracts).

· Run probing cycles and verify datums.

· Conduct full First Article Inspection (FAI).

· Reduce setup time using standard practices.

· Troubleshoot stability issues and recommend countermeasures.

· Mun multiple machines within a cell.

· Debur product.

Skills & Knowledge:

· Strong GD datum schemes; process capability basics.

· Control use; work/tool offsets, cutter comp, canned cycles.

· Root cause analysis (5-Why); mistake-proofing awareness.

Decision Making & Autonomy:

· Works with minimal supervision.

· Coordinates with QA/Engineering on issues.

Qualifications:

· 3-5 years CNC experience; demonstrated setup competency.

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CNC Operator – LEVEL IV

Focus: Lead complex setups and drive process improvements.

Core Responsibilities:

· Complex multi-axis or multi-turret setups.

· Optimize cutting parameters for quality and throughput.

· Create/update setup documentation and tooling lists.

· Lead SMED/changeover reduction activities.

· Provide training to Level I-III operators.

· Collaborate with programming/engineering.

· Run multiple machines in a cell.

· Debur product.

Skills & Knowledge:

· Advanced control features (probing, macros, subprograms).

· Lean/Kaizen and statistical thinking.

· Advanced metrology and inspection planning.

Decision Making & Autonomy:

· Technical authority for assigned cell(s).

· Mentors Level I-III operators.

· Leads cross-functional problem solving.

Qualifications:

· 5-8 years of CNC with complex setup leadership; train-the-trainer capability.

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CNC Operator – LEVEL V

Focus: Cell-level technical ownership and standardization.

Core Responsibilities:

· Establish best-practice machining strategies.

· Lead PPAP/FAI for new production.

· Develop tooling libraries and standard work.

· Mentor and certify operators across shifts.

· Lead cross-functional problem-solving.

· Influence capital/tooling decisions.

Skills & Knowledge:

· Enterprise-level machining strategy; advanced metrology.

· Balanced scorecard thinking (SQDC + people development).

· Strong change leadership and coaching.

Decision Making & Autonomy:

· Decision maker for technical escalations; set improvement roadmap.

Qualifications:

· 8+ year of CNC experience including leadership/mentoring.

· Recognized as a subject matter expert.

See Job Description