What your day looks like

Step into the shop and turn complex prints into efficient toolpaths. You’ll review drawings and models, select cutters, and set optimal speeds and feeds. Using CAD/CAM and 3D verification, you’ll program mills, lathes, and grinders—then post for Fanuc, Okuma, and Mazak controls. On the floor, you’ll validate your code against blueprints, fine-tune setups to shave minutes, and capture best practices in standard work so every run is safer, faster, and more consistent.

Continuous improvement is at the heart of this role—you’ll rethink routings, simplify tooling, and shorten changeovers to lift throughput and protect margins.

Core responsibilities

• Translate drawings/sketches/design data into tool selection, cut strategies, and precise speeds/feeds.
• Optimize routings during programming to fully leverage CNC capabilities with a clear plan for future runs.
• Author programs with CAD/CAM and verify in 3D simulation; post for Fanuc, Okuma, Mazak, and related controls.
• Eliminate errors/omissions via program revisions and on-machine validation.
• Define work procedures and remove bottlenecks to expedite workflow.
• Create and maintain standard work for tooling, fixturing, and programs.
• Continuously improve tooling choices, toolpaths, and setup approaches.
• Reduce setup times and simplify processes for operators to increase productivity.
• Evaluate completed designs and cycles to confirm function, reduce time/cost, and protect product margin.
• Monitor program execution to ensure blueprint compliance and safe completion.

Skills and tools you bring

• Control expertise: Fanuc, Okuma, Mazak, and similar.
• Hands-on machining background in turning and milling.
• Proven ability to program lathes, mills, and multi-axis equipment.
• Conversational programming plus strong G-code proficiency.
• Featurcam or comparable CAD/CAM for multi-axis programming.
• CAD literacy: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
• Metrology: micrometers, bore gages, and dial calipers.
• Program directly from drawings/specifications; deep knowledge of speeds/feeds and tooling capabilities.
• Troubleshoot tooling failures and recommend better solutions.
• Prior experience as a CNC machine operator in manufacturing.
• Blueprint reading with the ability to define optimal parameters and toolpaths; solid grasp of GD&T.
• Ability to write macro programs to streamline machining.

Background

• Accredited technical certification preferred.
• 2–4 years operating a CNC mill or lathe (required).
• 6+ years in a manufacturing environment (minimum).

Shop environment

• Machines: 3–4 axis VMCs (Fanuc, Mazak, Okuma); CNC lathes (2–4 axis and 5+ axis); grinders as applicable.
• Proficiencies: Equipment troubleshooting, CNC tooling, CNC programming, G-code, advanced inspection & gauge measurement.

Our Antigo facility is under ITAR/UNNPI regulations, must be a US Citizen