Junior CNC Milling & Turning Operator (Level 1)

Your day as a Junior CNC Milling & Turning Operator When you walk onto the manufacturing floor, your first task is to ready your station. You power up a CNC lathe or mill, run a warm-up, verify basic checks, and review the work order and print. Throughout the shift, you load and unload parts, swap common tooling inserts, and make minor program or offset adjustments under guidance to keep parts within spec. Between cycles, you measure parts with calipers, micrometers, Go/No-Go gauges, height gauges, and indicators, documenting in-process results with accuracy. You keep your area clean, follow ISO procedures and PPE requirements, and flag any safety, machine, or quality issues early so the team can stay on schedule. What you will do Operate CNC lathes and/or mills, and use basic manual machines (drill press, Bridgeport, surface grinder) following established setups and work instructions. Perform routine machine warm-ups and checks; load/unload parts and execute basic tool insert changes. Read and interpret basic blueprints and manufacturing drawings (with support for more complex prints). Hold tolerances by making supervised minor program or offset adjustments. Measure parts using calipers, micrometers, Go/No-Go gauges, height gauges, and indicators; complete accurate in-process inspections. Record labor, work order details, and inspection results; follow ISO procedures and company quality standards. Follow machine safety practices, PPE, and all safety policies; maintain a clean, orderly, hazard‑free work area. Report unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, or quality concerns promptly; assist with basic problem solving. Move raw material, finished parts, tooling, and fixtures; operate forklifts and jib/overhead cranes safely (training/certification provided if needed). Communicate issues related to quality, machine performance, materials, or documentation to leads or supervisors. Participate in training and skill development; demonstrate reliable attendance and a learning mindset. Perform other duties as assigned to support team and company objectives. Note Complex setups, advanced troubleshooting, multi‑axis programming, and process optimization are typically handled by Level 2/3 Machinists or the Machining Lead. What you bring Ability to read basic blueprints and follow work instructions; familiarity with GD&T is a plus. Comfort with precision measurement tools: calipers, micrometers, indicators, and Go/No‑Go gauges. Basic shop math (fractions/decimals, conversions) and the willingness to learn speeds/feeds and tooling fundamentals. Computer literacy for data entry and viewing work instructions/prints. Strong attention to detail, focus on quality, accountability, and effective communication in both independent and team settings. Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and progress toward higher‑level machinist responsibilities. Education & experience High school diploma or GED required. Technical coursework, apprenticeship, or certificate in machining preferred. Prior machining experience helpful but not required; on‑the‑job training provided. Forklift/crane experience is a plus; certification provided if needed. Physical and mental demands Regularly stand, walk, reach, handle tools/parts, and communicate. Frequently bend, stoop, or kneel; lift and/or move up to 40 lbs. Visual acuity: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Maintain focus and accuracy in a fast‑paced, schedule‑driven environment. Apply basic problem‑solving to routine issues; elevate complex problems promptly. Balance short‑term task completion with adherence to long‑term quality standards and procedures. Work environment Manufacturing floor with exposure to moving mechanical parts, cutting fluids, and airborne particles. Noise ranges from moderate to loud; PPE is required per area standards. May rotate between machines, shifts, or cells based on production needs. Proficiency targets GD&T Troubleshooting Skills G‑Code Tape Measure Reading M‑Code CNC Machine Setup & Changeover Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology Advanced Inspection & Gauge Measurement Machine Geometry & Alignment Machine Setups for Production Runs Troubleshooting CNC Machines Equipment you will encounter Horizontal Machining Center (3‑4 axis) (Haas, Okuma, Doosan, Makino, Niigata) Horizontal Machining Center (5+ axis) #J-18808-Ljbffr Plank Enterprises, Inc.