CNC Machinist

CNC Machinist

The CNC Machinist sets up and operates a variety of conventional and CNC machine tools, including lathes and milling machines, to produce aerospace-quality hardware to extremely tight tolerances (within.
001). This role focuses on CNC milling with Fanuc and Okuma controls, involves frequent set-ups and tear-downs in a high-mix, high-volume production environment, and requires strong shop math and trigonometry skills along with the ability to interpret complex blueprints and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete set-ups and complex operations on engine lathes, vertical mills, CNC mills, punch presses, forming presses, shears, press brakes, expanders, and other conventional and CNC machinery for production hardware.
• Set up, operate, and edit programs on 3- and 4-axis CNC machines, including Okuma Crown and Haas equipment, in a high-mix, high-volume production environment with numerous part numbers.
• Machine parts to very close tolerances (within.
  001) while maintaining aerospace-quality standards and consistent part quality.
• Interpret and follow detailed written instructions, manufacturing planning, engineering blueprints, sketches, and drawings, including views, symbols, revision control, and GD&T requirements.
• Use precision measuring instruments to check tolerances and verify the dimensional accuracy and overall quality of machined parts.
• Detect faulty processes, nonconforming conditions, or machining issues and provide input to help identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Perform all work in accordance with established standards, manufacturing procedures, and safety protocols, maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Ensure accurate documentation of work performed, including correct quantities, in manufacturing planning systems and a paperless timecard system.
• Develop and set up new jobs as needed, including determining appropriate tooling, fixturing, and machining strategies.
• Read and interpret threads and other detailed drawing requirements to correctly machine and inspect complex features.
• Assist in improving machining processes, tooling, and set-up methods to increase efficiency, quality, and repeatability.
• Serve as a technical resource to help resolve complex machining challenges and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Train others on basic operations, machine set-ups, and a variety of machining skills, and may oversee or guide less experienced machinists.
• Work with a wide variety of materials, including stainless steel and, ideally, Inconel, ensuring proper machining techniques and tool selection.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors, and know when to stop and ask for clarification on drawings, instructions, or processes.

Essential Skills

• Approximately 5 years of experience in a journey-level CNC machining role or comparable position, preferably in a production environment.
• Strong experience in CNC milling with hands-on experience setting up, operating, and editing programs on Fanuc and Okuma controls.
• Proficiency in setting up and operating both manual and CNC machine tools, including lathes and milling machines, to tight tolerances within.
  001.
• Ability to interpret and work from manufacturing planning, engineering blueprints, sketches, and specifications, including views, symbols, and revision control.
• Solid understanding and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong shop math and trigonometry skills required to perform calculations associated with machine operations and part geometry.
• Familiarity with machine tools and precision instruments, along with good manual dexterity for detailed machining work.
• Ability to read and understand threads and other detailed drawing features related to aerospace components.
• Experience with high-mix, high-volume production machining, including frequent set-ups, tear-downs, and working with many different part numbers.
• Competence in using and setting up tooling associated with various machines, including proper selection, installation, and adjustment.
• Ability to detect faulty processes or nonconforming conditions and take appropriate steps to address or escalate issues.
• Capability to perform shop mathematics associated with machine operations and to verify dimensions using precision measuring tools.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to understand instructions and collaborate with team members.
• Comfort with entering accurate data into manufacturing planning systems and paperless timecard systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience in aerospace machining, including work on parts for commercial aircraft programs, is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience with Okuma Crown and Haas CNC equipment.
• Experience machining stainless steel and, ideally, Inconel or similar high-temperature alloys.
• Demonstrated expertise across various machine types and processes, potentially involving multiple machine operations on a single part.
• Ability to develop new jobs,…