CNC Machinist - Quick Mill Operator

North-Shore-Steel; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

North-Shore-Steel seeks a skilled Quickmill Operator to set up, run, and optimize a CNC machining center for high-value components. You will verify programs, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with CAD to ensure first-pass quality.

Candidate should have extensive CNC experience, read blueprints with GD&T, and maintain safe, efficient operations while mentoring teammates and supporting continuous improvements on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Technical machining certification or apprenticeship, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Five+ years of advanced CNC machining experience on large-format centers.
• Experience operating Quickmill or similar bridge/gantry CNC machines.
• Experience machining high-value, tight-tolerance components for aerospace or similar industries.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining principles, tooling, offsets, feeds, speeds, and workholding techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications.
• Proficient with precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, and bore gauges.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience operating overhead cranes and forklifts preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and optimize the Quickmill CNC machining center to produce precision components that meet customer specifications.
• Verify machine setup, tooling, workholding, fixturing, and CNC programs prior to production and troubleshoot machining or programming issues in partnership with the CAD Department.
• Monitor machining operations, adjust machine offsets, and recommend improvements that enhance quality, efficiency, and tooling performance.
• Perform routine machine inspections, preventive maintenance, and maintain equipment in safe working condition.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T requirements, and customer specifications.
• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Machine high-value materials with exceptional attention to detail while minimizing scrap, protecting customer assets, and ensuring first-pass quality.
• Accurately complete required production and quality documentation and immediately communicate quality concerns.
• Lead by example by promoting safe work practices and ensuring the safe operation of machining and material handling equipment.
• Stop work and communicate concerns whenever safety, quality, or customer materials are at risk.
• Serve as a technical resource by mentoring teammates and collaborating with CAD, Quality, and Operations to improve machining processes.
• Support department goals related to safety, quality, productivity, continuous improvement, and on-time delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

Technical machining certification or apprenticeship

Tools

Bridge/Gantry CNC machines

Overhead cranes & forklifts

Job description

Position Summary

The Quickmill Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and optimizing a Quickmill CNC machining center used to manufacture high-precision components from high-value materials. This position verifies program accuracy, identifies machining and programming issues, and partners with the CAD Department to ensure first-time quality. The Quickmill Operator serves as the machining expert on the shop floor by protecting valuable customer materials, maintaining exceptional quality standards, promoting a strong safety culture, and supporting the success of the production team.

Primary Responsibilities

Machine Operation & Technical Expertise

• Set up, operate, and optimize the Quickmill CNC machining center to produce precision components that meet customer specifications.
• Verify machine setup, tooling, workholding, fixturing, and CNC programs prior to production and troubleshoot machining or programming issues in partnership with the CAD Department.
• Monitor machining operations, adjust machine offsets, and recommend improvements that enhance quality, efficiency, and tooling performance.
• Perform routine machine inspections, preventive maintenance, and maintain equipment in safe working condition.

Quality & Material Stewardship

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T requirements, and customer specifications.
• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Machine high-value materials with exceptional attention to detail while minimizing scrap, protecting customer assets, and ensuring first-pass quality.
• Accurately complete required production and quality documentation and immediately communicate quality concerns.

Safety & Team Leadership

• Lead by example by promoting safe work practices and ensuring the safe operation of machining and material handling equipment.
• Stop work and communicate concerns whenever safety, quality, or customer materials are at risk.
• Serve as a technical resource by mentoring teammates and collaborating with CAD, Quality, and Operations to improve machining processes.
• Support department goals related to safety, quality, productivity, continuous improvement, and on-time delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Technical machining certification, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Five or more years of advanced CNC machining experience, preferably operating large-format machining centers.
• Experience operating Quickmill or similar bridge/gantry CNC machines preferred.
• Experience machining high-value, tight-tolerance components for aerospace or similar industries preferred.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining principles, tooling, machine offsets, cutter compensation, feeds, speeds, and workholding techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining processes and collaborate with the CAD Department to resolve programming and manufacturing challenges.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and customer specifications.
• Proficient with precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, and bore gauges.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience operating overhead cranes and forklifts preferred.

Success in this role requires sound judgment, technical expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to leading by example in safety, quality, and continuous improvement while consistently delivering first-pass quality.