CNC Machinist & Operator

About the Opportunity

We build complex, precision components — and we do it right. That means the people running our machines aren't button-pushers. They're skilled machinists who take ownership of their work, hold themselves to a high standard, and care about what comes off the floor.

We're looking for an experienced CNC Machinist who is ready to contribute across our full platform — vertical mills, 5-axis mills, turning centers, and mill-turn machines. You'll execute setups and production with real ownership, maintain consistent quality, and play an active role in a shop where precision isn't optional.

What You'll Do

1. Setup and Machine Operation
   You'll set up, run, and break down CNC machining jobs across multiple platforms — loading fixturing, establishing datums, setting work offsets, building and qualifying tooling, and verifying readiness through first-piece validation before production begins. You'll operate using pre-proven programs on well-documented work and take increasing ownership of more complex setups as your experience and confidence grow.
2. In-Process Quality and Inspection
   You'll monitor machine performance, tool wear, and part quality throughout production using hand metrology — calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and related instruments. You'll identify out-of-tolerance conditions, work through them with a structured mindset, and escalate when needed to keep quality intact.Troubleshooting and Process Improvement
   You'll work through issues related to tooling, workholding, machine performance, and material behavior — collecting data, collaborating with senior team members, and contributing your own observations to drive resolution. Over time, you'll apply a deeper understanding of machining principles to recommend improvements in tooling, fixturing, and workflow efficiency.
3. Documentation and ERP
   You'll accurately complete all required production documentation and time tracking in ProShop ERP — including job time, status updates, and production notes — ensuring traceability and supporting downstream planning and quality functions.
4. Training and Team Contribution
   You'll engage in structured training to build understanding of not just execution steps but the reasoning behind tooling, fixturing, and sequencing decisions. You'll share what you learn, reinforce best practices with teammates, and contribute to a culture where everyone is getting better.
5. Shop Standards
   You'll deburr and clean components, maintain an organized workspace, uphold 5S standards, perform routine machine maintenance, and report equipment issues promptly. Safety protocols — including AS9100, ISO9001, and ITAR practices — are followed without exception.

What We’re Looking For

Experience and Education

• High School Diploma with at least 4 years of relevant CNC machine operation experience; or
• Associate's degree in manufacturing, Machining Technology, or a related discipline with at least 2 years of relevant CNC machine operation experience.
• Relevant experience includes hands-on setup and operation of CNC mills, lathes, or mill-turn equipment; ability to read technical setup documentation; and use of hand metrology instruments.
• Familiarity with Haas, Okuma, and/or Heidenhain controls preferred.
• Experience with ProShop ERP or a comparable production management system is a plus.

Skills and Abilities

• Solid setup capability across CNC platforms with working knowledge of tooling, workholding, and offsets.
• Ability to read and interpret setup sheets, work instructions, prints, and GD&T callouts.
• Strong attention to detail and process discipline; committed to consistent, accurate execution.
• Effective troubleshooting skills with an ability to identify root causes and contribute to permanent solutions.
• Clear communicator who asks good questions, keeps stakeholders informed, and collaborates well with engineers, programmers, and teammates.
• Positive, team-oriented mindset with a focus on reliability, continuous learning, and helping others develop.

Who You Are

• You've got real time behind CNC machines. You know your way around a setup — tooling, fixturing, offsets, first-piece validation — and you take it seriously. You understand that what happens at the machine determines whether the part is good, and you hold yourself accountable for that.
• You pay attention. You notice when something is off — a tool that's wearing, a dimension that's drifting, a process that doesn't quite make sense — and you do something about it rather than let it go.
• You communicate. When you're unclear, you ask. When something is at risk, you say so. When a supervisor or engineer needs to know, you make sure they do.
• You're invested in getting better. You want to understand not just the steps, but the reasoning behind them — so that when conditions vary, you know how to respond.
• And you show up for the team. You share what you know, help others improve, and contribute to a shop that runs well.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.

• Stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods during machine operation, part handling, and shop support.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to load workpieces, access fixturing, and handle parts at machine level.
• Regularly lift and carry raw materials, finished parts, tooling, and fixturing; occasionally up to 50 lbs; team lifts required for heavier loads.
• Wear required PPE at all times on the shop floor — safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toed footwear.
• Use hand metrology instruments and precision tooling with manual dexterity; may perform repetitive hand and wrist motions.
• Read work instructions, setup documentation, and inspect machined surfaces with required visual acuity.
• Hold a valid driver's license for occasional logistics tasks.

Overtime may be available and is occasionally required. Some non-standard hours, including early mornings or evenings on weekdays and weekends, may be needed.