A day in this role
You power up, run start-up routines, and load material. Tooling and fixtures are set, offsets dialed in, and machining parameters tuned for quality and throughput. As parts come off the machine, you verify them visually and dimensionally, recording results and keeping production documentation accurate. If a program alarm pops up, you dig in—isolating whether it’s setup, tooling, or parameters—and get the spindle cutting again. Throughout the day you adjust speeds and feeds, swap tooling as needed, and keep preventative maintenance on schedule. You share what you know, mentoring newer machinists, and you spot opportunities to improve cost, delivery, and performance—then help put those improvements into practice.
What you’ll own
- Safely set up, operate, and troubleshoot machining equipment with an eye on quality and efficiency
- Execute machine start-up and shutdown procedures and handle material loading
- Change and adjust tooling, fixtures, and setups to meet job requirements
- Inspect parts (visual and dimensional) to ensure they meet specifications
- Complete all required documentation and maintain accurate production records
- Identify and escalate machine issues and part nonconformances promptly
- Preset tooling and carry out preventative maintenance tasks
- Fine-tune speeds, feeds, and other machining parameters as conditions change
- Troubleshoot setup, tooling, and non-conformance issues to root cause
- Diagnose and respond effectively to CNC program alarms
- Recommend and support process and scheduling improvements
- Train and mentor less experienced team members to elevate the team
- Edit/modify part programs and assist with equipment repairs when needed
What you’ll bring
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Advanced understanding of machining processes, equipment, and tooling
- Proven troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
- Self-motivated and comfortable in a fast-paced production environment
- Clear, effective communication skills
- Hands-on experience running machining equipment, including part loading/unloading and inspection
- Proficiency with precision measuring tools: micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, comparators, and gages
- Skill in identifying and correcting tooling/machining issues (tool holders, collets, chucks, etc.)
- Ability to diagnose and resolve minor mechanical equipment malfunctions
- Background with conventional screw machines—Acme-Gridley, New Britain, and Warner & Swasey (Brands) “Trucker”
- CNC work focused primarily on lathes (about 90%), with openness to milling experience
Your mastery
- Equipment troubleshooting
- CNC machine setup and changeover
- Machine geometry and alignment
- Production run setups
- Manual machining skills
Equipment you’ll run
- CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC)
- CNC Lathe (2–4 axis)
- CNC Swiss Lathe