Description
Job Title: CNC Operator
Department: Production
Reports To: Production Supervisor & Machining Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary:
CNC Operators produce precision parts by running CNC equipment in a safety-first, quality-focused, standards-driven environment. They follow work instructions, read prints, conduct in-process inspections, and maintain equipment cleanliness. All levels participate in problem solving and continuous improvement.
CNC Operator- LEVEL I
Focus: Run stable jobs with close supervision.
Core Responsibilities:
- Load/unload parts; start/stop jobs and monitor cycle consistency.
- Perform basic gauging (calipers, micrometers, height gage).
- Perform basic wear offset adjustments with approval.
- Identify tool wear, burrs, or other non-conforming conditions.
- Follow chip/coolant/housekeeping standards.
- Run multiple machines within a cell.
- Debur product.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Basic blueprint reading; understanding standard work.
- Intro to tool wear and surface finish indicators.
Decision Making & Autonomy:
- Work from detailed instructions; require frequents checks, report issues promptly.
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CNC Operator – LEVEL II
Focus: Run machines independently and maintain stable quality.
Core Responsibilities:
- Independently perform wear offsets.
- Change standard tools (inserts, drills).
- Perform first-piece checks.
- Run 2-3 machines within a cell.
- Complete SPC checks and react to data trends.
- Document findings and escalated root-cause clues.
- Debur product.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Intermediate blueprint reading.
- Offset strategy; basic tool life tracking.
Decision Making & Autonomy:
- Prioritizes work within assigned cell.
- Initiates simple problem solving.
Qualifications:
- 1-3 years of CNC experience or equivalent certificate/apprenticeship
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CNC Operator – LEVEL III
Focus: Complete standard setups and prove out repeat jobs.
Core Responsibilities:
- Full setups from setup sheets (work holding, tool loading, offsets).
- Minor program edits (feeds, speeds, cutter comp, safe retracts).
- Run probing cycles and verify datums.
- Conduct full First Article Inspection (FAI).
- Reduce setup time using standard practices.
- Troubleshoot stability issues and recommend countermeasures.
- Mun multiple machines within a cell.
- Debur product.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong GD&T; datum schemes; process capability basics.
- Control use; work/tool offsets, cutter comp, canned cycles.
- Root cause analysis (5-Why); mistake-proofing awareness.
Decision Making & Autonomy:
- Works with minimal supervision.
- Coordinates with QA/Engineering on issues.
Qualifications:
- 3-5 years CNC experience; demonstrated setup competency.
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CNC Operator – LEVEL IV
Focus: Lead complex setups and drive process improvements.
Core Responsibilities:
- Complex multi-axis or multi-turret setups.
- Optimize cutting parameters for quality and throughput.
- Create/update setup documentation and tooling lists.
- Lead SMED/changeover reduction activities.
- Provide training to Level I-III operators.
- Collaborate with programming/engineering.
- Run multiple machines in a cell.
- Debur product.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Advanced control features (probing, macros, subprograms).
- Lean/Kaizen and statistical thinking.
- Advanced metrology and inspection planning.
Decision Making & Autonomy:
- Technical authority for assigned cell(s).
- Mentors Level I-III operators.
- Leads cross-functional problem solving.
Qualifications:
- 5-8 years of CNC with complex setup leadership; train-the-trainer capability.
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CNC Operator – LEVEL V
Focus: Cell-level technical ownership and standardization.
Core Responsibilities:
- Establish best-practice machining strategies.
- Lead PPAP/FAI for new production.
- Develop tooling libraries and standard work.
- Mentor and certify operators across shifts.
- Lead cross-functional problem-solving.
- Influence capital/tooling decisions.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Enterprise-level machining strategy; advanced metrology.
- Balanced scorecard thinking (SQDC + people development).
- Strong change leadership and coaching.
Decision Making & Autonomy:
- Decision maker for technical escalations; set improvement roadmap.
Qualifications:
- 8+ year of CNC experience including leadership/mentoring.
- Recognized as a subject matter expert.
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Requirements
See Job Description. This position will be working with Tsugami Swiss Machines so Swiss Machine experience is a MUST. Level will be determined by the experience you bring to the role!