CNC Operator I - Entry-US

Kennametal; New Market (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal Inc. in New Market, VA is seeking an Entry CNC Operator to set up and run automated machines including CNC lathes and mills. You will follow drawings, procedures, and setup instructions to produce quality parts with proper tool selection and feeds, while monitoring gauges and ensuring safety.

The role emphasizes teamwork, learning basic CNC programming, adhering to safety policies, and contributing to continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1-3 years of machine operation experience, preferably CNC.
• Vocational training or technical certificate preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints and interpret GD&T and tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC and conventional machines to produce parts per drawings and procedures.
• Set up feeds, speeds, tooling, and fixtures; verify dimensions with gauges.
• Inspect parts using precision gauges and optical devices.
• Read blueprints and setup instructions, ensure quality and on-time production.
• Troubleshoot basic issues and adjust processes to meet tolerances.
• Maintain clean, safe work area and document production data.

Skills

Basic troubleshooting

Modify G code

Read blueprints

Quality control gauges

Shop math and geometry

Team collaboration

Adheres to safety policies

Education

High School Diploma

Vocational training or equivalent

Technical school certification or Apprenticeship

1-3 years CNC manufacturing experience

Tools

CNC machines

Precision measurement tools

Job description

Job Title & Location

CNC Operator - Entry

New Market, VA

Shift: 2nd (2:45pm - 11:15pm) or 3rd (10:45pm - 7:15am)

Job Summary

Operating an automated machine such as a CNC or other machine via either a single step or process that does not include a multi-step or multi-production process. Sets up complex, customized production equipment to manufacture company products.

Duties

• Manufactures sufficient quantities of quality products at or below budgeted production costs in order to meet marketplace demand.
• Sets up equipment operation feed, speed, and temperature; follows established procedures for operating various conventional and/or CNC (computerized numerical control) manufacturing equipment for tasks such as cutting, punching, forming, drilling, tapping, turning, milling and stamping to fabricate, form or shape manufactured parts, tools or parts assemblies from raw materials.
• Selects and measures raw materials and parts to specifications to prepare for production processing.
• Resolves issues related to the organization's production, machinery, processing, and/or packaging operations.
• May include basic level programming.
• Set up and operate, in an efficient timely manner, machine tools, such as mill-turns, mills, lathes, or grinders.
• Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
• Work from and read blueprints as well as set and check work to various quality control gauges.
• Move all materials, either physically or mechanically, necessary to complete assignments.
• Perform inspection of machined products by selecting and setting up precision gaging to ensure external and internal quality specifications and requirements.
• Set‑up and perform a series of machining operations on all CNC machines.
• Select proper cutters, determine and adjust feeds and speeds as needed, and replace cutters when dull.
• May operate two or more CNC machines simultaneously.
• Responsibilities are within the Manufacturing/Operations Function as a generalist or in a combination of Disciplines.
• Performs specialized technical tasks required to support operations (e.g., IT development, research support, skilled trade).

Experience

• High School Degree
• 1-3 years experience
• Machine operation experience
• Requires vocational training or the equivalent experience and may require external certification but typically does not require a university degree
• Technical school certification or Apprenticeship program of completion preferred.
• Manufacturing experience of 1 - 3 years automated/CNC work experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Basic troubleshooting and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to modify G code programs.
• Ability to handle basic or standard CNC complexity.
• Has working knowledge and skills to perform a defined set of analytical/scientific methods or operational processes.
• Applies experience and skills to complete assigned work within own area of expertise.
• Works within standard operating procedures and/or scientific methods.
• Receives verbal and written information.
• Completes all necessary documentation, electronic data entries, and communications accurately and timely.
• Understands written instructions and is willing and able to communicate those instructions to others.
• Reads process instructions and drawings and recognizes/attends to details.
• Adheres to and follows all company safety policies and procedures to assure commitment to a 100% safe work environment.
• Supports the Lean Enterprise initiatives and continuously strives to improve customer satisfaction through improved quality, reduction in waste, and improved productivity.
• Intermediate knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) methods of dimensioning, as well as proper use and care of precision measurement tools.
• Knowledge of shop math, including geometry and conversions.
• Manufacturing and product knowledge.
• Proven troubleshooting, decision‑making skills, and the ability to work in a team‑based environment.
• Interpersonal skills with good communication working in a team environment.

Complexity

• Not much variability to day to day operation tasks.
• Works with a moderate degree of supervision.

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.