CNC Operator - Entry-US at Kennametal, Inc. Market, VA

CNC Operator - Entry

Location:

New Market, VA.

Shift: 2nd shift: 2:45pm - 11:15pm or 3rd shift: 10:45pm - 7:15am

Operating an automated machine such as a CNC or other machine via either a single step or process that does not include a multi‑step or multi‑production process. Sets up complex, customized production equipment to manufacture company products.

• Manufactures sufficient quantities of quality products at or below budgeted production costs to meet marketplace demand.
• Sets up equipment operation feed, speed, and temperature; follows established procedures for operating conventional and/or CNC manufacturing equipment for tasks such as cutting, punching, forming, drilling, tapping, turning, milling and stamping to fabricate, form or shape manufactured parts, tools or parts assemblies from raw materials.
• Selects and measures raw materials and parts to specifications to prepare for production processing.
• Resolves issues related to the organization's production, machinery, processing, and/or packaging operations.
• May include basic level programming.
• Set up and operate machine tools, such as mill‑turns, mills, lathes, or grinders in an efficient, timely manner.
• Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
• Work from and read blueprints as well as setting and checking work to various quality control gauges.
• Move all materials, either physically or mechanically, necessary to complete assignments.
• Perform inspection of machined products by selecting and setting up precision gaging to ensure external and internal quality specifications and requirements.
• Set‑up and perform a series of machining operations on all CNC machines.
• Select proper cutters, determine adjusts feeds and speeds as needed, and replace cutters when dull.
• May operate two or more CNC machines simultaneously.
• Perform specialized technical tasks required to support operations (e.g., IT development, research support, skilled trade).

• High School Degree.
• 1–3 years of experience in machine operation.
• Manufacturing experience of 1–3 years automated/CNC work experience required.
• Technical school certification or apprenticeship program of completion preferred.
• Vocational training or equivalent experience; external certification may be required but typically does not require a university degree.

• Basic troubleshooting and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to modify G‑code programs.
• Ability to handle basic or standard CNC complexity.
• Working knowledge and skills to perform a defined set of analytical/scientific methods or operational processes.
• Applies experience and skills to complete assigned work within own area of expertise.
• Works within standard operating procedures and/or scientific methods.
• Receives verbal and written information; completes all necessary documentation, electronic data entries, and communications accurately and timely.
• Understands written instructions and is willing and able to communicate those instructions to others.
• Reads process instructions and drawings, recognizes and attends to details.
• Adheres to and follows all company safety policies and procedures to assure commitment to a 100% safe work environment.
• Supports Lean Enterprise initiatives and continuously strives to improve customer satisfaction through improved quality, reduction in waste, and improved productivity.
• Intermediate knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GDT) methods of dimensioning, as well as proper use and care of precision measurement tools.
• Knowledge of shop math, including geometry and conversions.
• Manufacturing and product knowledge.
• Proven troubleshooting, decision‑making skills, and ability to work in a team‑based environment.
• Interpersonal skills with good communication working in a team environment.

Not much variability to day‑to‑day operation tasks; works with a moderate degree of supervision.