CNC Milling Operator III

Job Description

Job Description

• PURPOSE:

• The CNC Milling Operator III is an advanced machinist responsible for programming, setting up, proving out, and operating, and inspecting complex CNC milling processes. The role develops tooling and workholding solutions, optimizes machining methods, supports first articles and new-product introduction, resolves difficult process problems, and mentors other operators The position must qualify and remain authorized as a Certified Operator Inspector to release first pieces within its approved scope of authority. Continued designation as a Level III Operator requires maintaining this qualification and authorization.

• 100% Employer to employees only paid benefits: We cover 100% to the employee for their health, dental, and vision insurance premiums.

• "Candidates located within a reasonable commuting distance of our office are preferred."

• PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/AUTHORITY:

• Advanced Machining: Program, set up, prove out, and operate complex CNC machining centers, including three-, four-, and five-axis equipment when assigned. Operate more than one machine when cycle and process conditions permit and support priority recovery work.

• Programming: Optimize CNC programs using G-code, offset, feed, and speed adjustments within established authority and document changes as required; maintain required revision and approval controls.

• Process Planning: Develop the machining sequence, cutting strategy, tooling, workholding, inspection approach, and setup documentation for new or difficult work.

• Fixtures and Tooling: Design, develop, and prove advanced fixtures, soft jaws, and tooling solutions in collaboration with Engineering and Quality.

• Inspection, First Article and NPI: Lead machining prove-outs and support first article inspections, engineering changes, prototypes, and production-readiness reviews. Perform advanced first-piece and in-process inspections, evaluate and respond to process trends, and maintain qualification and authorization as a Certified Operator Inspector. Release first pieces within the approved scope of authority and escalate nonconformances, customer-required inspections, and out-of-scope conditions to Quality for independent review and disposition.

• Technical Problem Solving: Resolve complex dimensional, finish, tool-life, cycle-time, machine, and process-stability problems using structured analysis.

• Process Improvement: Evaluate cutting tools and machining methods and implement approved improvements to quality, throughput, and cost.

• Manufacturing Support: Provide machining input for manufacturability, routing, labor estimates, and operation sequencing when requested.

• Training and Mentoring: Train and mentor operators on setups, inspection, programming, troubleshooting, and safe machining practices.

• Authority: Stop work; place product, material, tooling, or equipment on hold; and escalate conditions affecting safety, conformity, delivery, or compliance.

• ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive and coordinate the preventive maintenance program for assigned CNC equipment, ensuring required machine checks, operator-level maintenance, and documentation are completed on schedule. Coordinate planned service with Maintenance and promptly escalate equipment, tooling, or maintenance concerns. Perform maintenance activities only within established training and authorization.

• Accurately record labor, quantities, scrap, material usage, and job status in the applicable production system.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area and support FOD prevention, 5S, and continuous-improvement activities.

• Handle, identify, and protect material and product to preserve traceability and prevent damage or mix-ups.

• Perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with training and the requirements of the position.

• KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Category Representative Measures

• Safety & Compliance Safe work practices, PPE, machine checks, FOD/5S, training, and audit compliance.

• Quality First-pass yield, scrap/rework, dimensional acceptance, nonconformance prevention, and customer escapes.

• Delivery & Flow Schedule attainment, on-time job completion, setup performance, throughput, and recovery support.

• Productivity & Assets CNC mill utilization, cycle-time performance, downtime response, and tooling stewardship.

• People Qualification progress, cross-training, teamwork, and knowledge sharing appropriate to the level.

• EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

• Technical or trade education in CNC machining or manufacturing is preferred.

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

• EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Required:

• Five or more years of advanced CNC milling programming, setup, and operating experience, or equivalent demonstrated proficiency.

• Experience with close-tolerance, complex three-, four-, or five-axis milling, as applicable.

• Advanced knowledge of G-code, cutting tools, machining parameters, fixtures, workholding, and process optimization.

• Ability to create or modify CNC programs using CAM software such as Mastercam, Edgecam, or equivalent.

• Advanced ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and first article requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex machining problems and train other operators.

• Preferred:

• Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.

• Familiarity with AS9100, first article inspection, and controlled manufacturing documentation.

• Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, alloy steel, titanium, or nickel-based alloys, as applicable.

• Lean manufacturing, 5S, or structured problem-solving experience.

• PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Demonstrates technical leadership, sound judgment, ownership, and commitment to safety and quality.

• Approaches difficult machining problems analytically and recommends practical solutions.

• Shares knowledge and develops others without compromising process or documentation controls.

• Communicates effectively with Production, Quality, Engineering, Planning, Tooling, and Maintenance.

• PHYSICAL AND WORK REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work for a minimum of 8 hours per shift in a manufacturing environment and stand, walk, reach, and use hands for extended periods.

• Ability to safely handle parts, tooling, fixtures, and material using available lifting assistance when required.

• Ability to work around moving machinery, metal chips, coolant, oils, and elevated noise while using required PPE.

• Schedule flexibility to support production needs and occasional overtime or off-shift work.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

• REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

• Reports to: Manager, Machine Shop & Assembly.

• Direct reports: None; may provide technical guidance and training but does not exercise supervisory authority unless separately assigned.

• FLSA classification: Non-Exempt.

• EOE: (D/V)