CNC Operator / Machinist - 1669

Core Responsibilities

• Create, modify, troubleshoot, and optimize CNC programs using Mastercam and machine controls
• Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, and multi-axis machining centers
• Machine components using 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis equipment as required
• Take ownership of assigned parts from initial planning and programming through setup, machining, inspection, and completion
• Support a variety of machining workloads ranging from one-off R&D prototypes to repeat builds and small-to-moderate production runs
• Operate established programs, setups, and parts developed by other machinists when required to support team workload, production needs, and schedule commitments
• Design and manufacture custom fixtures, tooling, and workholding solutions
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing process documentation
• Determine appropriate machining strategies, cutting tools, workholding, feeds, speeds, and sequences to efficiently produce conforming hardware
• Perform first-article and in-process inspections to verify dimensional and quality requirements
• Utilize precision measurement equipment including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, and other inspection equipment
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, setup, and dimensional issues to minimize downtime and scrap
• Maintain dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and other product quality requirements throughout the manufacturing process
• Work with a variety of metals, plastics, and other materials commonly used in prototype and production machining
• Collaborate directly with engineering, quality, production, and other machinists to improve part manufacturability and manufacturing processes
• Provide practical DFM feedback to engineering personnel when designs present machining, inspection, tolerance, or production challenges
• Assist and mentor machine operators and less-experienced machinists as appropriate
• Document successful setups, tooling strategies, program revisions, and process improvements to support repeatability and future production
• Support shop priorities and transition between machines, programs, and jobs as workload demands
• Maintain personal work areas, machines, tooling, and common shop areas in a clean and organized condition
• Follow all company safety requirements and applicable OSHA standards
• Perform other duties, assignments, and responsibilities as reasonably assigned by management in support of departmental, programmatic, and organizational objectives

Equipment and Facility Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventative maintenance on CNC equipment and associated tooling
• Coordinate machine service requirements and communicate maintenance concerns to supervision
• Ensure tooling is properly stored, identified, and maintained
• Keep machines, work areas, and shared shop resources clean, organized, and ready for operation
• Follow all company safety procedures and housekeeping standards

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Machining Technology or equivalent technical training and experience
• 5 – 8 years of progressively responsible CNC machining experience
• Demonstrated experience setting up and operating CNC machining equipment
• Experience with 3-axis machining and exposure to or experience with 4-axis and/or 5-axis machining
• Experience programming CNC equipment using Mastercam or comparable CAM software
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and applying GD&T requirements to machined components
• Working knowledge of cutting tools, feeds and speeds, workholding, fixture design, and machining processes
• Ability to independently set up, troubleshoot, and produce conforming parts from engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation
• Proficiency with precision measurement equipment including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, and similar inspection tools
• Experience machining and preparing a variety of materials
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, and electronic manufacturing documentation
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality hardware
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to operate jobs, programs, and setups developed by other machinists in support of overall shop priorities
• U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• May require Moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately loud, reasonably clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications

• 8 – 10 years of relevant experience
• Experience with 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining
• Experience with Haas CNC controls and equipment
• Experience with SolidWorks
• Experience programming and operating CNC waterjet equipment
• Experience supporting both prototype/R&D machining and repeat or production manufacturing
• Experience transitioning prototype components into repeatable production processes
• Experience developing fixtures and workholding for repeat production
• Experience with first-article inspection and QA/QC measurement processes
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality management system
• Experience with CMM equipment or other advanced inspection systems
• Demonstrated ability to mentor or provide technical guidance to less-experienced machinists
• Self-motivated and capable of independently identifying and executing the next steps required to complete assigned work
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance