CNC Specialist - CO

PTA Plastic; Niwot (CO); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

PTA Plastics in Niwot, CO is seeking a CNC Specialist to program, set up, and operate CNC milling machines, lathes, and EDM equipment for high-precision molds and tooling used in plastic injection molding.

You will read blueprints and CAD/CAM files, choose tooling, set speeds and feeds, and troubleshoot to maintain accuracy and efficiency. A minimum of 3 years CNC machining experience and a high school diploma are required, with technical certification or an associate degree preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree in CNC machining preferred.
• Minimum of 3+ years in CNC machining, preferably mold-making or injection molding environments.
• Proficiency in CNC programming (G-code, M-code) and CAD/CAM software (Mastercam, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of machining principles, tooling selection, and mold manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate CNC milling machines, lathes, and EDM equipment to produce molds and tooling.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and CAD/CAM files to ensure precision machining.
• Select appropriate tooling, cutting speeds, and feed rates for optimal machining efficiency.
• Perform machine adjustments, tool changes, and calibrations to maintain accuracy and consistency.
• Manufacture and modify injection mold components and collaborate with engineering to improve mold designs.
• Troubleshoot machining and tooling issues to enhance production efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Inspect machined parts using calipers, micrometers, and CMM and maintain documentation of programs and parameters.

Skills

CNC machining

Blueprint reading

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Technical certification or associate degree in CNC machining

Tools

Mastercam

SolidWorks

CAD/CAM

Job description

• Location 7350 Dry Creek Parkway,Niwot, CO, 80503,United States
• Base Pay $30.00 - $40.00 / Hour
• Relocation Expense Covered No
• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

Description

Job Summary:

The CNC Specialist is responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC machines to manufacture high-precision molds, tooling, and components for injection plastic molding. This role ensures the efficient production of quality parts by interpreting blueprints, selecting appropriate tooling, and optimizing machining processes. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in CNC machining, programming, and a deep understanding of mold-making for plastic injection molding.

Pay:$30.00/hr -$40.00/hr

Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 3:00pm

Company Overview:

PTA Plastics, an employee-owned and innovative leader in the plastic injection molding, contract manufacturing and tool-building industry, is looking for a CNC Specialist to join our dynamic team.

At PTA Plastics, we’re more than just a manufacturer; we partner with Fortune 500 OEMs in the medical device, defense, homeland security, and technology sectors, constantly pushing the boundaries of product development and manufacturing excellence. As an employee-owned company, every team member has a stake in our success, creating a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment where innovation thrives.

CNC Programming & Operation

• Program, set up, and operate CNC milling machines, lathes, and EDM equipment to produce molds and tooling.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and CAD/CAM files to ensure precision machining.
• Select appropriate tooling, cutting speeds, and feed rates for optimal machining efficiency.
• Perform machine adjustments, tool changes, and calibrations to maintain accuracy and consistency.

Mold & Tooling Manufacturing

• Manufacture and modify injection mold components, ensuring proper fit, finish, and functionality.
• Collaborate with engineering and tooling teams to improve mold designs for manufacturability.
• Troubleshoot machining and tooling issues to enhance production efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Mold Maker support is given when the NC area is slow, i.e., Surface grinding, Mold Maintenance, etc.

Quality Control & Process Improvement

• Inspect machined parts using measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, CMM, etc.) to ensure tight tolerances and specifications.
• Maintain documentation of programs, tool setups, and machining parameters for repeatability and process optimization.
• Identify opportunities to improve machining efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance tooling durability.

Machine Maintenance & Safety

• Perform routine maintenance on CNC machines to ensure optimal performance and prevent breakdowns.
• Adhere to company safety policies and procedures while operating machinery.
• Keep work areas clean and organized to maintain a safe and efficient production environment.

Supervisory Duties:

• No

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree in CNC machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 3+ years in CNC machining, preferably in mold-making or injection molding environments.
• Proficiency in CNC programming (G-code, M-code) and CAD/CAM software (Mastercam, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of machining principles, tooling selection, and mold manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around the production floor for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling small tools, machine components, and molds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfortable wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.
• Occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching to access equipment and perform maintenance tasks.
• Good vision and color perception for inspecting parts and identifying any defects or abnormalities.
• Ability to work in temperature-controlled environments and withstand exposure to noise levels associated with manufacturing machinery.
• Ability to receive, comprehend and utilize required training from OSHA and Company including but not limited to the following:
• First Aid and CPR (optional)

ITAR Requirements: To conform to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at PTA Plastics must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158.

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance Statement :

PTA Plastics is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, PTA Plastics will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations in the hiring process and in the workplace.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process or to perform essential job functions, please contact [e-mail]

Pursuant to the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) , PTA Plastics does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in any aspect of employment, including hiring, job assignments, promotions, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.