Machine Shop Operator

Level 3 Machinist (CNC Machine Shop)

This Level 3 Machinist position works in a large, high-volume machine shop performing metal cutting, drilling, grinding, deburring, and quality inspection to precise control plan and blueprint specifications. You will stage and move materials, set up and operate CNC machines, perform in-process quality checks at every step, and support a variety of operations across the shop rather than staying on a single machine. This is a mid-level role suited for someone who enjoys hands-on work, problem-solving, and contributing to a team-focused production environment.

Responsibilities

• Follow the control plan, blueprints, and written instructions to cut, drill, grind, and deburr metal parts to specification.
• Stage parts using forklifts and pallet jacks and ensure raw materials are ready for production.
• Set up and operate CNC machines to produce parts according to quality and process standards.
• Load machines with raw material and offload finished parts safely and efficiently.
• Operate wash tanks and other auxiliary equipment as required for the production process.
• Perform continuous in-process quality checks at every step using dial gauges, calipers, micrometers, tape measures, and other measuring tools.
• Use air-powered tools to deburr parts and remove excess metal from blocks ("cut plug") to meet final quality standards.
• Conduct final quality inspection on finished parts to verify they meet control plan and blueprint requirements.
• Transport material throughout the facility using sit-down and stand-up forklifts while following safety procedures.
• Troubleshoot everyday production issues and collaborate with team members to resolve problems quickly.
• Float between different machines and work areas as needed to support overall shop productivity.
• Maintain production output, quality, and housekeeping standards in assigned areas.
• Keep equipment and work areas clean, organized, and safe, completing daily housekeeping responsibilities.
• Follow all safety policies, including proper use of PPE and adherence to cell phone and device usage rules.
• Complete daily truck and hoist inspection cards and ensure equipment is in safe working condition.
• Participate in thorough safety and job training and apply the training consistently in daily work.
• Arrive at designated line-up areas on time with all required PPE and prepared for shift duties.
• Support other general helper duties in the machine shop to ensure parts move efficiently to production.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment, preferably around production machinery.
• Experience running a machine in a manufacturing environment, with CNC machine operation strongly preferred.
• Baseline experience with gauging and using quality measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, dial bores, steel rulers, and dial gauges.
• Ability to perform accurate quality checks using measurement tools and interpret metric and standard measurements.
• Experience operating both sit-down and stand-up forklifts, or strong familiarity with similar material-handling equipment.
• Strong basic math skills, including addition and subtraction, to determine how far a gauge reading is from the specified tolerance and whether a part passes inspection.
• Ability to read and follow clear, repeatable instructions and quality standards for assigned machines or jobs.
• Troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve everyday production and equipment issues.
• Comfort working across multiple machines and tasks rather than remaining on a single machine all day.
• Commitment to safety practices, including proper use of PPE and adherence to facility policies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints for machined parts.
• Experience performing quality inspection on finished parts in a production environment.
• Deburring experience, including use of air-powered tools to remove excess metal.
• Familiarity with drill presses, grinding, boring mills, reaming, and general machine operation.
• Ability to explain and perform gauge calibration by comparing gauges to known standards or reference tools (such as gauge blocks).
• Ability to explain and correctly use micrometers, including reading both the sleeve and thimble scales and combining them for accurate measurements.
• Comfort conducting open-ended discussions about prior quality-checking processes, tools used, and units of measurement.
• Willingness to work various shifts and overtime, including scheduled weekend work as needed.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a highly engaged, community-focused culture, partnering with local institutions and actively supporting regional initiatives. Employees enjoy frequent engagement events such as seasonal festivals, family-friendly activities, and on-site drives that include both team members and their loved ones. There is a clear pathway from temporary to full-time employment, with the opportunity to apply for full-time roles after 90 days based on attendance and performance. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off, multiple paid holidays, a strong 401(k) match, and health, dental, vision, and life insurance starting on the first day of employment. The environment emphasizes long-term stability, especially on certain shifts, and values safety, cleanliness, and continuous improvement, creating a supportive place to build a lasting career.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, modern manufacturing facility with a substantial machine shop and assembly area, with the building split approximately half assembly and half machine shop. The shop operates across five shifts, including weekends, and employs hundreds of team members in a coordinated, high-volume production environment. The facility is temperature-controlled throughout, providing a comfortable work setting year-round. The dress code is relaxed, allowing sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, work pants, and jeans; leggings and sweatpants are not permitted. The plant maintains a very clean and orderly workspace with minimal debris, metal scraps, packaging, or oil spills, reflecting a strong commitment to safety. Personal protective equipment includes steel or composite toe shoes, earplugs, and safety glasses; hearing protection and glasses are provided on-site. Cell phone use is restricted to designated break areas and is not allowed while walking, and headphones or other listening devices are not permitted on the floor. Employees complete daily housekeeping tasks and equipment inspections, including truck and hoist checks, to keep equipment and work areas safe and organized. Multiple shift options are available, including traditional weekday shifts (1st: 7:30am3:30pm, 2nd: 3:30pm11:30pm, 3rd: 11:30pm7:30am) and 12-hour rotating shifts on set days. Overtime is part of the schedule, with production currently planning work on alternating Saturdays for much of the year, subject to change based on business needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lafayette, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.47 - $24.47/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lafayette, IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 30, 2026.