CNC Machine Operator-1st, 2nd & 3rd Shift

Kids for the Future; Summerville (SC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

American Tactical, Inc. is seeking a CNC Lead Machine Operator at our Summerville, SC facility. You will oversee daily CNC machining operations, mentor operators, and ensure parts meet quality standards.

In this role you will review blueprints, set up and adjust machines, and coordinate with supervisors to meet production goals. The ideal candidate has 3–5+ years in CNC machining, strong G-code knowledge, and leadership experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational training preferred.
• 3-5+ years CNC machining experience, including setup and operation.
• 1-2+ years of leadership or lead-operator experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of G-code, offsets, tooling, and machining principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, mentor CNC operators on multiple machines or lines.
• Assign daily tasks, monitor productivity, ensure efficient machine utilization.
• Troubleshoot machining issues; be primary contact for technical problems.
• Ensure safety protocols and shop-floor policies are followed.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance on CNC equipment.
• Coordinate with maintenance for repairs and improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Machining

Inspection

Problem solving

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical/vocational training preferred

Tools

Tsugami machines

Swiss style machines

Mills and lathes

Multi-axis equipment

Job description

• Base Pay $20.00 - $26.00 / Hour
• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt

• Name Karla M Gabbert
• Phone [phone]
• Email [e-mail]

American Tactical, Inc. is a worldwide importer and manufacturer of firearms, air guns, ammunition, and tactical equipment. While still a relatively young company to the firearm industry, American Tactical, Inc. is moving quickly to establish itself as a reputable and recognized importer of many high quality and affordable products from around the world in addition to manufacturing products from its Summerville, SC, USA facility.

The CNC Lead Machine Operator oversees daily CNC machining operations, ensuring parts are produced accurately, efficiently, and according to quality standards. This role provides technical expertise, leads and mentors machine operators, monitors workflow, and coordinates with supervisors to meet production goals.

Leadership & Oversight

• Lead, train, mentor, and support CNC operators on multiple machines or production lines.
• Assign daily tasks, monitor productivity, and ensure efficient machine utilization.
• Act as the primary point of contact for troubleshooting machining issues.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and enforce shop-floor policies.

Machine Operation & Technical Skills

• Set up, operate, and adjust CNC machines including Tsugami and/or any Swiss style machines, mills, lathes, and/or multi-axis equipment.
• Review blueprints, engineering drawings, and work orders to determine specifications.
• Perform tool offsets, change tooling, troubleshoot program issues, and assist with program edits when needed.
• Verify machine settings, cutting speeds, feeds, and tooling to optimize performance.

Quality Control

• Inspect finished parts using calipers, micrometers, gauges, CMMs, and other precision measuring tools.
• Ensure parts meet dimensional and surface-finish requirements.
• Document inspection results and maintain accurate production records. Address and correct quality concerns promptly prevent production delays.

Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Perform basic preventive maintenance on CNC equipment.
• Report mechanical issues and coordinate repairs with maintenance staff.
• Recommend improvements to machining processes, tooling, or workflow for efficiency and quality.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational training preferred.
• 3-5+ years of CNC machining experience, including setup and operation.
• 1-2+ years of leadership or lead-operator experience preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of G-code, machine offsets, tooling, and machining principles.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T.
• Proficient with precision measuring instruments and quality inspection processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude.
• Effective communication, leadership, and team coordination abilities.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions in fast-paced environments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift up to 50 lbs., and work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to operate machinery, hand tools, and measurement devices safely.
• Must be able to work C-Shift (10pm-6:30am)