CNC Machine Operator I

Express Employment Professionals; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment International (US) is seeking a skilled CNC Machine Operator to set up and run automated CNC vertical and horizontal machines in our Kent, WA facility. A High School diploma or GED is required, with 3+ years in manufacturing using multi-axis centers preferred.

Candidates should read blueprints, measure parts precisely, and follow safety protocols. The role emphasizes accuracy, adherence to tolerances, and the ability to interpret setup sheets while maintaining established

Qualifications

• Read and interpret shop blueprints, sketches, and work instructions.
• Perform basic math for tolerances and part verification.
• Use measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, height gauges) to ensure specifications.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and operates automated CNC vertical and horizontal machines.
• Locates X, Y, Z axes and checks alignment of fixtures and tooling.
• Performs daily checks and reports issues to supervisor; initiates maintenance if needed.
• Interprets drawings and setup sheets to produce parts within tolerances.
• Monitors machine performance and adjusts feeds/speeds as necessary.
• Engages in safety procedures and uses PPE at all times.
• May assist in training new operators and deburring parts as required.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Math skills

Precision measurement tools

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

Education

High School diploma or GED

Vocational machining training preferred

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Height gauges

Job description

Job Description Job Description CNC Machine Operators operate computer-controlled machines to perform one or more machine functions required to produce customer orders. Skilled Machine Operators are critical to our success, and the reliability and accuracy of our operators is essential. Operators work under varying degrees of supervision to perform simple and complex machining operations, and with development and demonstrated mastery of additional skills and training, operators can advance along our machining career track.

Essential Functions

• Sets up and operates automated CNC Vertical and horizontal machines
• Accurately locates/identifies the X, Y, Z axes on Vertical and Horizontal machines
• Accurately uses indicators to check for straightness and flatness of fixturing and tooling
• Performs daily point checks on assigned machines and reports concerns to supervisor; may initiate maintenance requests if appropriate
• Meets departmental/company goals and objectives promptly (i.e., efficiencies, scrap control, time motion, and setup time reductions)
• Accurately interprets product blueprints, drawings, sketches, setup sheets, and other work instructions
• Uses scales, calipers, micrometers, and height gauges to determine that the part is being machined to the proper specifications
• Removes and replaces dull cutting tools, following designated safety protocol and instructions
• Mounts, installs, aligns, and secures tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments
• Listens to machines during operation to detect irregular sounds (i.e., dull cutting tools or excessive vibration); adjusts machines to compensate for problems and notifies lead or supervisory personnel as appropriate
• Adjusts machine feed and speed, changes cutting tools, or adjusts machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction
• Stops machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement according to required machining sequences
• Lifts workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes
• Enters control instructions into machine control units to start operation
• Monitors and adjusts/controls coolant systems as needed
• Transfers commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links
• Sets up future jobs, performs inspections or part checks, cleans the work area, or performs other duties while the machines are operating
• May assist in training new operators
• May deburr machined parts as required for work in process
• Follows all safety policies and procedures; consistently utilizes all required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Communicates verbally (English) and follows verbal and written instructions

Performs Other Tasks And/or Assignments As Required

• Regular attendance on-site at the workplace is required

Required Education And Work Experience

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required
• Vocational training/certification in machining is preferred
• A minimum of three (3) years experience in a manufacturing role utilizing complex multi-axis machining centers is required; relevant apprenticeship or vocational training in a machine shop, manufacturing technology, or similar program may be considered in combination with paid work experience

Other Required Skills And Abilities

• Experience reading & accurately interpreting shop blueprints, sketches, and other technical information/instructions is required
• Demonstrated basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide, fraction conversions)
• Experience using mics, calipers, height gauges, and other precision measuring equipment is required
• Experience using indicators to verify flatness and straightness of tooling and fixturing
• Experience troubleshooting production issues and program edits
• A history of consistent employment without unexplained or significant gaps or frequent job changes is expected
• Completion of assigned internal training for Level III Operators, and periodic retraining or recertification is required
• Experience using cranes, forklifts, and similar heavy & oversized material handling equipment is preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Role

• To perform the essential functions of the role, employees must be able to perform the following activities with or without reasonable accommodations:
• Regularly stand and walk throughout the facility, stand for long periods to perform job duties
• Regularly lift, carry (short distances), and push/pull up to 100 pounds using peer assistance and/or other lifting & material-handling equipment
• Occasionally reaches overhead and reaches out or down to perform duties
• Frequently climb steps, stairs, or ladders
• Occasionally bend, crawl, stoop, squat, or kneel
• Frequently uses hand or fingers to manually inspect parts, tighten hardware & fixtures, and operate machine and material handling controls
• Accurately distinguish colors to respond to sensors, indicators, and color-variable dashboards
• Visual acuity to interpret readings on gauges and other measuring devices

Working Conditions

• Excessive noise (hearing protection required)
• Dust, smoke, mist, fumes/vapors (regularly)
• Extreme temperatures (occasionally)
• Hazardous equipment including forklifts, hand tools, cranes or other lifting devices, and other equipment used in a machine shop environment (continually)

This position is classified as safety-sensitive.