Job Title: CNC Machinist
Job Description
This role focuses on setting up and operating CNC mills and lathes to produce high-quality components, primarily from plastic materials but also from titanium and stainless steel. You will interpret blueprints and technical drawings, program and adjust machining parameters using G and M code, and ensure all finished parts meet precise specifications. The position requires strong attention to detail, commitment to safety, and effective collaboration with engineering and production teams in a clean, organized manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Study blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals, specifications, and sample parts to determine dimensions, tolerances, sequence of operations, and setup requirements for each workpiece.
- Use measuring tools such as dial indicators, micrometers, scales, tape measures, calipers, and other precision instruments to control and verify machining operations.
- Select, align, and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials on machines including mills, lathes, jig borers, grinders, and shapers.
- Set up and operate 5-axis CNC mills and CNC lathes with sub-spindle, multiple turrets, and multi-turret configurations for production work.
- Calculate and set machine controls to regulate machining factors such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control programs.
- Apply strong knowledge of G and M code to make program edits as needed to optimize machining performance and part quality.
- Verify conformance of finished workpieces to specifications through inspection and measurement, making adjustments as necessary.
- Perform basic daily maintenance on machines, including checking and maintaining oils and fluids, and promptly report any machine problems or abnormalities.
- Grind and sharpen tooling as needed to maintain cutting performance and surface finish quality.
- Create setup sheets for new jobs and update existing setup sheets to document tooling, fixturing, and process parameters clearly and accurately.
- Collaborate with engineers, production personnel, programmers, and supervisors to resolve machining problems and improve processes.
- Maintain machines and the surrounding work area in a clean, organized, and debris-free condition.
- Safely operate forklifts, cranes, or other lifting devices to move materials and workpieces as required.
- Follow all safety precautions and practice safe working habits, including consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
- Report all unsafe conditions, near misses, and injuries to supervision in a timely and accurate manner.
Essential Skills
- Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
- Strong working knowledge of G and M code, including the ability to make program edits when needed.
- Hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC mills and lathes, including 5-axis CNC mills and turn machines with sub-spindle and multi-turret configurations.
- Demonstrated ability to perform machine setups and operations primarily for plastic materials, with exposure to titanium and stainless steel machining.
- Skilled in using precision measuring tools such as dial indicators, micrometers, calipers, scales, and tape measures for inspection and process control.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment with established safety and quality standards.
- Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineers, programmers, production staff, and supervisors.
- Strong retention and follow-through skills to consistently apply procedures, setups, and safety practices.
- Ability to perform basic daily machine maintenance, including monitoring and maintaining oils and fluids.
- Capability to safely operate forklifts, cranes, and other lifting devices in an industrial setting.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience creating and updating setup sheets to document tooling, fixturing, and machining parameters.
- Experience in inspection of machined parts using a variety of measuring instruments to verify conformance to specifications.
- Familiarity with machining plastics as well as metals such as titanium and stainless steel in a production environment.
- Comfort working with engineers and programmers to troubleshoot machining issues and improve processes.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean and organized work area.
- Ability to consistently follow safety protocols and u