CNC Operator I - Entry-US

Kennametal Inc.; Virginia; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal Stellite Inc. in New Market, VA is seeking an entry-level CNC Operator to operate automated CNC machines, read blueprints, and perform basic programming.

Shifts include 2nd and 3rd, with responsibilities spanning setup, adjustment of feeds and speeds, and quality inspection to meet production targets. The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and adherence to Lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and boost productivity.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1-3 years of machine operation experience.
• Vocational training or apprenticeship often required.
• Technical school certification preferred.
• Manufacturing experience with automated/CNC work.

Responsibilities

• Operate and set up CNC and other machines to produce parts within specifications.
• Adjust feeds, speeds, and tooling per procedures.
• Read and interpret blueprints and process instructions.
• Inspect parts using gauges and measurement tools to ensure quality.
• Maintain safe and organized work area and document processes.

Skills

Machine operation

G-code programming

Reading blueprints

GD&T knowledge

Quality inspection

Safety procedures

Lean Enterprise

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Vocational training or Apprenticeship

Technical school certification

Tools

CNC machines

Precision measurement tools

Job description

CNC Operator - Entry

New Market, VA

2nd shift: 2:45pm - 11:15pm or 3rd shift: 10:45pm - 7:15am

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 setting and checking work to various quality control gages.
• 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 adjusts 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.
• Receive verbal and written information.
• Complete all necessary documentation, electronic data entries, and communications accurately and timely.
• Understand written instructions and be willing and able to communicate those instructions to others.
• Read process instructions and drawings and recognize/attend to details.
• Adhere to and follow all company safety policies and procedures to assure commitment to a 100% safe work environment.
• Support the Lean Enterprise initiatives and continuously strive 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.

Nearest Major Market: Harrisonburg

Nearest Secondary Market: Virginia

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