CNC Specialist

Amsted Rail; Fountain Inn (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Amsted Rail seeks a CNC Specialist to create, optimize, and run CNC programs on HMCs, VMCs, and turning centers using Mastercam. You will perform setups, prove-outs, first articles, and in-process adjustments to meet safety, quality, and productivity targets.

You will coach operators, drive cycle-time reductions, and maintain compliance with safety and TPM standards while collaborating across shifts and departments to improve processes.

Qualifications

• 5 years CNC machining experience.
• Able to read complex mechanical drawings, GD&T callouts, and process documentation.
• Skilled use of precision inspection tools; understands capability & tolerance stack-ups.
• Effective communicator and trainer; able to influence without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Generate, import, and post CNC programs for HMC, VMC, and turning centers.
• Edit G- and M-code at the control to resolve issues, optimize feeds/speeds, and improve surface finish.
• Perform cycle-time studies and implement reductions via toolpath changes and SMED.
• Train CNC operators on loading programs, setups, tool changes, and inspections.
• Troubleshoot alarms, tool wear, and dimensional drift.

Skills

Team Player

Functional Expert

Detail Oriented

Ability to Make an Impact

Self-Starter

Effective communicator

Education

High School or better

Tools

Mastercam

Job description

Amsted Rail has an opening for a CNC Specialist. The CNC Specialist will create, optimize, and run CNC programs using Mastercam for horizontal machining centers (HMCs), vertical machining centers (VMCs), and CNC turning centers in a hands-on production environment. Perform efficient machine setups, prove-outs, first-article runs, and in-process adjustments to achieve safety, quality, and productivity targets.

Provide hands-on machine operation support across shifts and coach operators on best practices. Drive cycle-time reduction, optimize tool life, and promote “quality at the source” across assigned machining equipment. Maintain compliance with company safety, environmental, and personal growth standards. Foster a collaborative work environment and communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.

• Follow and enforce PPE, guarding, and Lock‑Out/Tag‑Out (LOTO) requirements on all machining assets.
• Identify and correct unsafe machine conditions; upscale guarding or interlock concerns.
• Lead or participate in 5S events for machining cells; sustain visual standards.
• Track and improve OEE drivers: availability, performance, and quality where data is available.

CNC Programming & Optimization

• Generate, import, and post CNC programs (MasterCam or equivalent) for HMC, VMC, and turning centers.
• Edit G- & M‑code at the control to resolve issues, optimize feeds/speeds, correct toolpaths, and improve surface finish.
• Perform cycle‑time studies; recommend and implement reductions through toolpath changes, canned cycles, high‑efficiency strategies, and SMED changeover methods.
• Standardize program naming, revision control, and document control practices.
• Coordinate with Engineering on new part introductions and design‑for‑manufacturability feedback.

Machine Setup & Operation (HMC / VMC / Turning)

• Perform full setups: workholding, tooling, touch‑off, offsets, probing (if equipped), coolant and program load.
• Run first article; verify features to print, adjust tool wear and work offsets, and update control notes.
• Operate machines in production mode; monitor tool wear, chip evacuation, and repeatability across lots.
• Support quick changeovers between part numbers; apply SMED principles to reduce spindle downtime.
• Troubleshoot alarms, tool breakage, chatter, and dimensional drift; elevate when needed.
• Specify cutting tools, holders, extensions, and pull studs appropriate to material, reach, and tolerance requirements.
• Inspect and prep raw material, fixture alignments, and reference datums prior to machining.
• Support preventative maintenance (PM) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) tasks on assigned machine groups.

Quality & Documentation

• Perform in‑process and final inspection using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, bore gages, height gages, indicators, CMM reports where applicable).
• Drive ‘Quality at the Source’ by programming in‑machine probing / macros or by creating operator inspection checkpoints.
• Document setup sheets, tooling lists, and critical characteristic inspection steps for repeat runs.
• Participate in root‑cause / corrective‑action activities for scrap, rework, or customer returns.

Training & Operator Development

• Train CNC operators in program loading, setup steps, tool presetter, offsets, tool changes, part inspection, and basic editing.
• Coach operators on reading prints, understanding GD&T basics, and responding to SPC

Amsted Rail is an Equal Opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities and any other basis covered by federal, state, or local law.

Travel Required

No .

Required

Expert

Preferred

Team Player : Works well as a member of a group

Functional Expert : Considered a thought leader on a subject

Detail Oriented : Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Preferred

Ability to Make an Impact : Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Self-Starter : Inspired to perform without outside help

Required

High School or better.

Required

5 years: CNC machining

Preferred

- Ability to read complex mechanical drawings, GD&T callouts, and process documentation.- Skilled use of precision inspection tools; understands capability & tolerance stack‑ups.- Effective communicator and trainer; able to influence without direct authority.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.