CNC Operator 3

Burke Porter, an Ascential Technologies Brand; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Burke Porter, an Ascential Technologies Brand in Grand Rapids, MI, is seeking a CNC Machinist III to set up, program, and optimize CNC milling machines in a low-volume, high-mix environment. You will read blueprints, select tooling, and ensure parts meet engineering specifications.

The role emphasizes training and mentoring, collaboration with engineering and quality teams, and continuous improvement, with full-time on-site work and occasional overtime.

Qualifications

• Journeyman Machinist certification or 5-8 years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced CNC setup, operation, and programming experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Knowledge and application of GD&T principles.
• Experience with CAM programming software; Visi experience preferred.
• Strong shop math skills, including geometry, trigonometry, and dimensional calculations.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment and inspection techniques.
• Knowledge of high-speed carbide tooling and machining best practices.
• Ability to train and mentor new employees.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts and overhead cranes.
• Ability to provide and maintain personal measuring instruments and hand tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working independently.
• Ability to work overtime and occasional weekends as business needs require.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, program, and optimize CNC milling machines to produce precision components in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Create, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs using CAM software while selecting appropriate tooling, workholding, speeds, and feeds to maximize efficiency and quality.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements to ensure dimensional accuracy and compliance with customer and engineering standards.
• Inspect parts using precision measuring equipment and verify conformance to quality requirements throughout the manufacturing process.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, setup, and program issues; adjust offsets and machining parameters as needed to improve productivity, cycle times, tool life, and overall process performance.
• Train and mentor new machinists on machine operation, setup procedures, quality standards, and safe work practices while serving as a technical resource for the department.

Skills

Advanced CNC setup

Programming experience

GD&T knowledge

Blueprint reading

Problem-solving

Education

Journeyman Machinist certification

5-8 years CNC machining experience

Tools

CAM programming software

Visi CAM

Precision measuring equipment

Job description

Position Overview

The CNC Machinist III is responsible for setting up, operating, programming, and optimizing CNC milling equipment to produce precision components in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment. This position requires advanced machining knowledge and the ability to independently manage complex jobs while ensuring parts meet engineering specifications, quality standards, and production requirements. The CNC Machinist III serves as a technical resource within the department, supports process improvement initiatives, and assists in training and mentoring less experienced machinists.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, program, and optimize CNC milling machines to produce precision components in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Create, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs using CAM software while selecting appropriate tooling, workholding, speeds, and feeds to maximize efficiency and quality.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements to ensure dimensional accuracy and compliance with customer and engineering standards.
• Inspect parts using precision measuring equipment and verify conformance to quality requirements throughout the manufacturing process.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, setup, and program issues; adjust offsets and machining parameters as needed to improve productivity, cycle times, tool life, and overall process performance.
• Train and mentor new machinists on machine operation, setup procedures, quality standards, and safe work practices while serving as a technical resource for the department.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, production, and other team members to resolve manufacturing challenges and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and clean work environment while complying with all quality, safety, environmental, and company policies and procedures, including the safe operation of forklifts, overhead cranes, and other shop equipment.

Qualifications

• Journeyman Machinist certification or 5-8 years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced CNC setup, operation, and programming experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Knowledge and application of GD&T principles.
• Experience with CAM programming software; Visi experience preferred.
• Strong shop math skills, including geometry, trigonometry, and dimensional calculations.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment and inspection techniques.
• Knowledge of high-speed carbide tooling and machining best practices.
• Ability to train and mentor new employees.Ability to safely operate forklifts and overhead cranes.
• Ability to provide and maintain personal measuring instruments and hand tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working independently.
• Ability to work overtime and occasional weekends as business needs require.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Visi CAM software.
• Experience machining a variety of materials in a custom, low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Experience with process improvement and machining optimization initiatives.
• Prior mentoring, training, or leadership experience.

Ascential Technologies is a global industrial technology company with operations spanning automotive testing and validation, medical and life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Our Grand Rapids, MI site is part of the Burke Porter Group — a recognized leader in vehicle testing, automation, and end-of-line measurement systems. We build with precision. We operate with purpose. And we’re looking for people who bring that same standard to every part of the business.