CNC Machinist

Nova-Tech Engineering, LLC; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova-Tech Engineering, LLC in Willmar, MN is seeking a skilled CNC Machinist to operate lathes and mills in a high‑volume, repetitive batch setting. You will verify materials, select tooling, inspect parts, and ensure parts meet specifications using precision instruments.

The role requires reading engineering drawings, editing CNC programs, and maintaining tooling with a focus on safety and quality. Wages are competitive with benefits starting day one.

Qualifications

• Certificate or diploma from a CNC & Advanced Machining program or 5 years of equivalent experience.
• Ability to set up and operate manual and CNC machines.
• Ability to edit part programs.
• Able to read, understand, and analyze engineering drawings.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools/instruments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Excellent communication in English and computer literacy for time logging and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes and milling centers to produce quality parts.
• Prepare and manage production jobs by verifying materials and tooling.
• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments and blueprints.
• Create, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs and prototype parts.
• Set up tooling and optimize machining processes; resolve issues.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and deburring/finishing.
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Skills

CNC setup

CNC operation

Blueprint reading

Quality inspection

Tooling optimization

Problem solving

Education

CNC & Advanced Machining program certificate/diploma

Tools

Okuma controls

Toyoda machines

G-code editing

Job description

CNC Machinist

Pay Range: $26 - $32/Hour

Who is Nova-Tech Engineering?

Headquartered in Willmar, MN, Nova-Tech Engineering is a growing, dynamic company founded in 1992 that began as one person’s passion to benefit the agricultural industry. Through innovative process automation technology, the company engineers and manufactures products that serve over 500 commercial poultry hatcheries in over 65 countries worldwide.
Nova-Tech houses every aspect of its business on the MinnWest Technology Campus, including a manufacturing facility located just steps away from our engineering and drafting teams. Walking from building to building, you can observe our whole process, from concept to final product.

What we’re looking for:

• Set up and operate CNC machines to produce quality parts accurately and efficiently, including CNC lathes and vertical/horizontal machining centers.
• Prepare and manage production jobs by verifying materials, selecting tooling, and ensuring efficient workflow and machine utilization.
• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments, blueprints, and quality inspection procedures to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Create, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs and machine prototype parts with minimal supervision.
• Set up tooling and optimize machining processes while identifying and resolving tooling, programming, and production issues.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and hand-finishing operations, including deburring, grinding, and tool upkeep to maintain product quality.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment while following all company safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with team members on problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, efficiency, and product quality.

What you’ll do:

The CNC Machinist is responsible for setup and running of production and prototype parts in a repetitive batch environment on CNC lathes and multi axis mills such as Okuma, Toyoda, etc. At Nova-Tech Engineering we take a strengths-based approach to our team members and company. Machinists are key members of a team striving to continuously improve safety, quality, and productivity.

Other key areas include:

• Certificate or diploma from a CNC & Advanced Machining program required (or 5 years equivalent experience).
• Ability to set up and operate manual and CNC machines.
• Ability to edit part programs.
• Able to read, understand, and analyze Engineering drawings.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools/instruments.
• Ability to solve complex problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize, handle multiple demands, and maintain attention to detail in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal, presentation, interpersonal) skills in English and ability to operate a computer for logging time, data collection, and pulling procedures.

Our location:

In 2005, Nova-Tech partnered with Life-Science Innovations to buy a 37-building, 110-acre historic hospital facility in Willmar from the State of Minnesota. Since that time, we have developed the resulting MinnWest Technology Campus into the largest privately owned technology park in the country. Willmar, MN is a bustling community located less than two hours from Minneapolis and one hour from St. Cloud known for its lakes and vibrant entertainment.
Things to check out: Willmar Stingers, Willmar WarHawks, Little Crow Ski Team, Green Lake and boat cruises, Glacial Lakes State Trail, Dorothy A. Olson Aquatic Center, The Barn Theatre, Sibley State Park, Robbins Island, Destination Playground, YMCA, Ridgewater College, area golf courses and simulators, local breweries, restaurants, and shopping.

Why join our team?

Nova-Tech Engineering offers a flexible, collaborative, and productive work environment focusing on culture and strengths. We’ve worked hard to create our unique culture and seek team members who match our core values so we can continue to create revolutionary solutions that forever change industries and enhance quality of life.
The MinnWest Technology Campus offers a wide array of on-site amenities including a cafeteria, pool, fitness center, gymnasium, meeting spaces, daycare center, and more! We offer competitive wages with generous paid time off and benefits starting day one! Learn more at www.nteglobal.com.