The posting
Technician – CNC Machining
Position Purpose:
The Technician is a highly skilled CNC professional responsible for programming and setting up new jobs, maintaining in-process quality, recovering from machine alarms, and driving continuous improvement on the production floor. The primary focus of this role is horizontal machining centers, with additional support across vertical mills and lathes as needed. This position requires a seasoned machinist with demonstrated experience in both CAM programming and hands-on setup—candidates without this background will not be considered.
Essential Functions:
CNC Programming
- Develop CNC programs for new jobs from print to proven program using PartMaker and Mastercam; experience in either is preferred.
- Edit and optimize G-code at the control as needed—including tool offsets, feeds and speeds, canned cycles, subprograms, and macro variables.
- Select appropriate tooling, cutting parameters, and work strategies based on material and part geometry—experience machining aluminum 6061 or Iron preferred.
- Create and maintain accurate setup sheets and work instructions for all new and revised programs.
Machine Setup & First Article
- Set up horizontal machining centers for new and repeat jobs, including tombstone and pallet fixturing, tool assembly and presetting, work coordinate offsets, and program prove-out prior to production release.
- Provide setup support on vertical machining centers and lathes with live tooling as production needs require.
Quality & Containment
- Diagnose and resolve in-process quality nonconformances, identifying root cause and implementing corrective action at the machining level.
- Lead containment activities when quality escapes are identified
- Read and interpret GD&T callouts including true position, concentricity, and flatness.
Alarm Recovery & Troubleshooting
- Serve as the primary responder to machine alarms—diagnosing the cause, safely clearing the condition, and returning equipment to production with minimal downtime.
- Troubleshoot common machining issues including chatter, poor bore finish, drill walk, surface finish defects, and premature tool failure—identifying root cause and implementing corrections.
- Differentiate between operator-recoverable alarms and conditions requiring maintenance or engineering escalation, and communicate equipment status clearly to supervision.
Continuous Improvement
- Actively participate in and lead continuous improvement initiatives targeting cycle time reduction, scrap elimination, and process capability improvements.
- Identify and propose improvements to toolpaths, tooling selection, fixturing, and machining parameters, bringing recommendations forward to the Technical Operations Manager.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with company safety standards.
Education and Training:
- High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or CNC machining certificate preferred.
- Demonstrated hands-on machining experience will be considered in lieu of formal education credentials.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 5+ years of CNC machining experience with a strong focus on programming and setup—not solely machine operation.
- Proven experience setting up horizontal machining centers, including pallet and tombstone fixturing and multi-sided setups.
- Proficiency in CAD/CAM required; ability to build programs from scratch, not solely modify existing code.
- Working knowledge of G-code; comfortable editing programs at the Fanuc control.
- Proficient in blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation, including true position, profile, runout, and flatness callouts.
- Skilled in the use of precision measurement tools including micrometers, bore gauges, calipers, and dial indicators; CMM familiarity a plus.
- Experience machining aluminum and iron with a clear understanding of how each material behaves and how to adjust parameters accordingly.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to work independently and communicate proactively with supervision and quality teams.
Physical Demands:
- Must be able to stand for the duration of an 8-hour shift. Frequent reaching, bending, and lifting required; must be able to handle up to 80 lbs. Close vision required for precision measurement and inspection tasks.
Environmental Conditions:
Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to coolant, cutting fluid mist, metal chips, noise, and heat. PPE required including safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, and hearing protection where applicable.
Behavioral Traits:
- High ownership mentality—takes accountability for part quality and machine performance without requiring direction.
- Detail-oriented and precise—understands that tight tolerances and critical features require consistent attention throughout every setup and production run.
- Calm and methodical under pressure—responds to alarms, quality escapes, and setup challenges with a structured, root-cause-focused approach.
- Continuous improvement mindset—consistently seeks opportunities to improve processes, reduce cycle times, and eliminate waste.
- Effective communicator—proactively informs supervision and quality of issues, schedule risks, and equipment concerns in a timely manner.
- Safety-conscious—adheres to all PPE requirements and safety protocols and holds the same standard for those working around them.
