2nd Shift CNC Machine Operator

Job Title:

CNC Operator Department:
Production

Reports To:

Production Supervisor & Machining ManagerFLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

CNC Operators produce precision parts by running CNC equipment in a safety-first, quality-focused, standards-driven environment. They follow work instructions, read prints, conduct in-process inspections, and maintain equipment cleanliness. All levels participate in problem solving and continuous improvement.

Focus:
Run stable jobs with close supervision.

• Load/unload parts; start/stop jobs and monitor cycle consistency.
• Perform basic gauging (calipers, micrometers, height gage).
• Perform basic wear offset adjustments with approval.
• Identify tool wear, burrs, or other non-conforming conditions.
• Follow chip/coolant/housekeeping standards.
• Run multiple machines within a cell.
• Debur product.

• Basic blueprint reading; understanding standard work.
• Intro to tool wear and surface finish indicators.

• Work from detailed instructions; require frequents checks, report issues promptly.

Focus:
Run machines independently and maintain stable quality.

• Independently perform wear offsets.
• Change standard tools (inserts, drills).
• Perform first-piece checks.
• Run 2-3 machines within a cell.
• Complete SPC checks and react to data trends.
• Document findings and elevate root-cause clues.
• Debur product.

• Intermediate blueprint reading.
• Offset strategy; basic tool life tracking.

• Prioritizes work within assigned cell.
• Initiates simple problem solving.

• 1-3 years of CNC experience or equivalent certificate/apprenticeship

Focus:
Complete standard setups and prove out repeat jobs.

• Full setups from setup sheets (work holding, tool loading, offsets).
• Minor program edits (feeds, speeds, cutter comp, safe retracts).
• Run probing cycles and verify datums.
• Conduct full First Article Inspection (FAI).
• Reduce setup time using standard practices.
• Troubleshoot stability issues and recommend countermeasures.
• Mun multiple machines within a cell.
• Debur product.

• Strong GD&T datum schemes; process capability basics.
• Control use; work/tool offsets, cutter comp, canned cycles.
• Root cause analysis (5-Why); mistake-proofing awareness.

• Works with minimal supervision.
• Coordinates with QA/Engineering on issues.

• 3-5 years CNC experience; demonstrated setup competency.

Focus:
Lead complex setups and drive process improvements.

• Complex multi-axis or multi-turret setups.
• Optimize cutting parameters for quality and throughput.
• Create/update setup documentation and tooling lists.
• Lead SMED/changeover reduction activities.
• Provide training to Level I-III operators.
• Collaborate with programming/engineering.
• Run multiple machines in a cell.
• Debur product.

• Advanced control features (probing, macros, subprograms).
• Lean/Kaizen and statistical thinking.
• Advanced metrology and inspection planning.

• Technical authority for assigned cell(s).
• Mentors Level I-III operators.
• Leads cross-functional problem solving.

• 5-8 years of CNC with complex setup leadership; train-the-trainer capability.

Focus:
Cell-level technical ownership and standardization.

• Establish best-practice machining strategies.
• Lead PPAP/FAI for new production.
• Develop tooling libraries and standard work.
• Mentor and certify operators across shifts.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving.
• Influence capital/tooling decisions.

• Enterprise-level machining strategy; advanced metrology.
• Balanced scorecard thinking (SQDC + people development).
• Strong change leadership and coaching.

• Decision maker for technical escalations; set improvement roadmap.

• 8+ year of CNC experience including leadership/mentoring.
• Recognized as a subject matter expert.

See Job Description