CNC Machinists Immediate Start!

Job Description Department: CNC Mill or Lathes

Position Title: CNC Machinist III

FLSA: · Non-Exempt / Hourly ·

Plant Manager

Position Summary The CNC Machinist III is the shop's most capable and self-directed machinist — the person who takes the difficult job, the tight tolerance, the new part, or the problem machine and returns it to production without hand-holding. The role owns independent setup and prove-out across all assigned workcenters, dimensional quality at the machine, and the development of less-experienced machinists. The Machinist III works from prints and models rather than proven paperwork alone, authors and corrects programs at the CNC control, and makes the process decisions — tooling, workholding, sequence, speeds and feeds — rather than executing someone else's. This is the top rung of the machinist ladder and the primary feeder into the programming track; proficiency is measured against the Machinist Skills Matrix using the 0–4 Skill Level Key.

Perform complete setups from scratch on all assigned workcenters — workholding, tooling, offsets, program load, and first-piece qualification — without supervision.

Select and document tooling, insert grade, workholding, and operation sequence for new or problem parts.

Prove out new and revised programs at the control, correcting toolpaths, feeds, speeds, and offsets to bring parts into tolerance; run production to print and router, holding dimensional quality, surface finish, and cycle time across the shift.

Write, edit, and optimize G-code and M-code at the CNC control, including subprograms, canned cycles, and parametric / macro programming for part families.

Own dimensional quality at the machine using micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, height and thread gauges, surface plate, and optical comparator.

Interpret prints and models including GD&T datums, feature control frames, true position, and tolerance stack-up; support first-article inspection, interpret CMM reports, translate findings into corrections, and contain suspect material per quality procedure.

Train and mentor Machinist I and II personnel, sign off competency as authorized, and author or correct setup sheets so setups are repeatable by others.

Proficiency expectations for each are defined and assessed in the Machinist Skills Matrix.

CNC programming — control level

Macros / parametric programming

Advanced CNC (multi-axis, mill-turn)

Measurement & inspection

Materials & machinability

CNC machine operation

CNC setup

Training & mentoring

Equipment Proficiency

Required — Setup 3–4 / Run 4: CNC lathes, including live-tool and bar-fed turning centers; CNC vertical machining centers; CNC horizontal machining centers.

Development target — Setup 2 / Run 3: CNC mill-turn and multi-axis turning centers; Active development on at least one mill-turn platform is expected.

CNC OD grinding and CNC gear equipment; Ratings apply to the workcenters listed on the machinist’s qualification card; communicates clearly with programming, quality, and maintenance; Work Experience

Minimum five years of CNC machining in a job-shop or low-to-mid-volume precision environment, including at least two years of independent setup work — or two years at CNC Machinist II with all Skills Matrix minimums above met and verified.

Demonstrated history of holding tolerances to ±0.0005″ and surface finishes to print on production work, with documented fluency on the shop’s CNC controls including G/M-code editing and offset management.

Preferred: mill-turn or multi-axis setup and programming; Mastercam or ESPRIT CAM familiarity (required to advance to Associate CNC Programmer); prior experience training or leading machinists.

Required: high school diploma or GED.

Preferred: machining certificate or diploma from a technical school, completion of a formal machinist apprenticeship, or NIMS credentials in turning, milling, or CNC programming; OEM or distributor control training, macro programming, or mill-turn training.

Ongoing: maintains current internal certifications for assigned workcenters, hoist or forklift certification where applicable, and annual safety training.

Continuous — the majority of an 8- to 12-hour shift on a concrete floor. Overtime, shift coverage, and occasional weekend work as production requires.

Frequent bending, reaching, and kneeling to load parts, set tooling, and access machine interiors and coolant systems.

Occupational Exposure Work is performed on an active manufacturing floor. These exposures are inherent to the role and are controlled through engineering controls, administrative practice, and required PPE.

hearing conservation program participation where monitoring indicates.

Metalworking fluids & chemicals

Coolant and cutting-oil mist and skin contact; way lube, hydraulic and spindle oils, solvents, degreasers, and layout dye. Machine enclosures and local exhaust where fitted, nitrile gloves, barrier cream, prompt washing. Sharp turnings, swarf, and airborne fines from cutting, grinding, and deburring. cut-resistant gloves when handling chips.

Rotating spindles, chucks, bar feeders, turrets, pallet changers, and automatic tool changers. coolant and oil films, chips, hoses, and air lines on walking surfaces. spills cleaned immediately; anti-fatigue matting, lift assists, and job rotation available. Non-climate-controlled shop, equipment vibration, and powered industrial truck traffic in aisles.

Loose clothing, jewelry, and unrestrained long hair are prohibited near rotating equipment.