CNC Machine Operator II

Job Description:

Primary Responsibilities 

• Operate CNC turning centers, vertical machining centers, and other CNC equipment as assigned.
• Perform machine start-up, shutdown, and daily equipment inspections.
• Load and unload raw material, fixtures, tooling, and finished components.
• Perform established CNC machine setups and changeovers.
• Install and replace cutting tools, inserts, drills, end mills, and other tooling.
• Set and verify tool offsets and work offsets.
• Make routine wear-offset adjustments to maintain dimensional tolerances.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, shop drawings, work orders, and manufacturing instructions.
• Understand basic GD&T symbols and dimensional requirements.
• Verify part dimensions using appropriate inspection equipment.
• Use calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, thread gauges, pin gauges, and other measuring equipment.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections.
• Document inspection results and production quantities as required.
• Monitor machining operations for tool wear, dimensional changes, unusual machine conditions, or potential quality problems.
• Identify worn or damaged tooling and replace tooling when necessary.
• Troubleshoot routine machining and production issues.
• Recognize conditions requiring assistance from a CNC Machinist, Programmer, Maintenance Technician, or Supervisor.
• Perform deburring and secondary operations as required.
• Maintain established production rates while meeting quality requirements.
• Follow established CNC programs and manufacturing processes.
• Make minor program edits when authorized, such as feeds, speeds, offsets, tool numbers, or dimensional corrections.
• Maintain clean machines, tooling, fixtures, and work areas.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance including lubrication checks, coolant monitoring, chip removal, and machine cleaning.
• Accurately complete production travelers, inspection records, and other shop documentation.
• Follow all company safety procedures and machine-specific safety requirements.
• Assist and train CNC Machine Operator I employees when directed.
• Perform other manufacturing duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Previous CNC machining or CNC machine operation experience.
• Ability to independently operate CNC equipment after initial job setup and instruction.
• Working knowledge of CNC machining principles and terminology.
• Ability to read mechanical and manufacturing drawings.
• Ability to understand decimal dimensions and basic tolerances.
• Ability to accurately use precision measuring instruments.
• Understanding of cutting tools, inserts, tool holders, and basic machining practices.
• Ability to make tool and work offset adjustments.
• Ability to identify common machining problems including tool wear, chatter, poor surface finish, dimensional variation, and damaged tooling.
• Basic understanding of feeds and speeds.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to perform basic shop mathematics.
• Ability to maintain accurate production and quality records.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating CNC lathes and/or CNC vertical machining centers.
• Experience with Haas, Mazak, Mazatrol, Fanuc, or similar CNC controls.
• Experience with live-tooling turning centers is a plus.
• Experience working with aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, and other common manufacturing materials.
• Basic understanding of G-code and CNC program structure.
• Experience performing machine setups and tooling changes.
• Familiarity with ISO-style quality systems and documented inspection procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and work around manufacturing equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and handle materials, tooling, and components weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely use material-handling equipment when required.
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, and perform repetitive machine-loading activities.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment involving machinery, metal chips, cutting fluids, noise, and other normal industrial conditions.

Performance Expectations

 A CNC Machine Operator II should be capable of:

• Independently running established CNC production jobs.
• Maintaining required production rates.
• Producin