Entry-Level CNC Machinist / CNC Machine Operator – 2nd & 3rd Shift

Plastic Ingenuity; Village of Cross Plains (WI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day work week

Shift differential 2nd $1.50/hr

Shift differential 3rd $2.00/hr

PTO 30 hrs first year

PTO 60 hrs after year

Climate-controlled shop

Hands-on training

Job summary

Plastic Ingenuity is seeking an entry-level CNC Machinist / Machine Operator on 2nd and 3rd shifts. No CNC experience required; you'll receive hands-on training and grow into setup, programming, and mold building.

The role emphasizes mechanical aptitude, dependability, and a willingness to learn. You'll operate CNC machines, read blueprints, measure with calipers and micrometers, and work in a clean, climate-controlled shop with opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to read simple blueprints or drawings.
• Comfort with hands-on work and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC machines and learn machine setup.
• Perform milling, drilling, turning, and grinding operations.
• Read blueprints and technical drawings; measure with calipers/micrometers.
• Help build, repair, and maintain molds and production tooling.
• Troubleshoot machining and tooling issues with guidance.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Dependability

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Job description

Entry-Level CNC Machinist / CNC Machine Operator – 2nd & 3rd Shift

4-Day Work Week | Monday–Thursday | No CNC Experience Required

Like working with your hands, fixing things, or figuring out how things work? You may have the skills to start a career in CNC machining - even if you've never worked in a machine shop.

Plastic Ingenuity is looking for mechanically inclined, dependable people who want to learn a skilled trade. You'll receive hands‑on training from experienced CNC machinists and Tool & Die professionals while developing skills you can build into a long‑term career.

Why You'll Like Working Here

• Monday–Thursday schedule - 3-day weekends

• $1.50/hour shift differential for 2nd shift

• $2.00/hour shift differential for 3rd shift

• 30 additional hours of PTO your first year for working an off shift

• 60 additional hours of PTO each year after your first year

• Clean, climate‑controlled machine shop

• Hands‑on training from experienced machinists and toolmakers

• Low‑volume, high‑variety work - not the same part all day

• Opportunities to advance into setup, programming, precision machining, and Tool & Die

What You'll Do

You'll start by learning our equipment and machining fundamentals and take on more advanced work as your skills grow.

• Operate CNC machines and learn machine setup

• Learn basic CNC program adjustments

• Perform milling, drilling, turning, and grinding operations

• Help build, repair, and maintain molds and production tooling

• Read blueprints and technical drawings

• Use calipers, micrometers, and other measuring equipment

• Learn to troubleshoot machining and tooling problems

• Work alongside experienced CNC machinists, Tool & Die, Engineering, and Production teams

• Maintain a clean and safe work area

You Don't Need CNC Experience

We can teach machining. We're looking for mechanical aptitude, dependability, and a willingness to learn.

You may be a great fit if you have experience or interests in:

• Automotive, diesel, motorcycle, or small‑engine repair

• Farm or heavy equipment

• Maintenance or mechanical assembly

• Welding or fabrication

• Construction or skilled trades

• Robotics, automation, or electronics

• Manufacturing or machine operation

• Woodworking or other precision hands‑on work

• Technical school, shop classes, or youth apprenticeship

• Mechanical hobbies - if you like fixing, building, or taking things apart to understand how they work, we want to hear from you

What We're Looking For

• Mechanically inclined and enjoys hands‑on work

• Dependable and willing to learn

• Strong attention to detail

• Takes pride in quality work

• Enjoys troubleshooting and problem‑solving

• Comfortable asking questions and learning from others

• Interested in developing a long‑term skilled trade career

Recent graduates, career changers, and people looking to enter the skilled trades are encouraged to apply.

Don't meet every qualification? If you're mechanically inclined and willing to learn, we'd like to meet you.

Build More Than Parts - Build a Career

This isn't a job where you'll push the same button and make the same part every day. Our shop is low‑volume and high‑variety, giving you opportunities to work on different projects and continue developing your skills.

Your career could grow from:

CNC Operation → Setup → Programming → Precision Machining → Mold Building → Tool & Die

You don't need to already be a machinist to start becoming one.

Plastic Ingenuity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply.

Company Summary:

Plastic Ingenuity is committed to providing innovative, high-quality packaging for the food, healthcare, and consumer goods industries. At the company's heart are five core values that define who we are and why we have sustained success since 1972. We are friendly and genuine, fostering authentic connections with colleagues and clients alike. Resourcefulness defines our approach, allowing us to turn challenges into opportunities. Collaboration is ingrained in our process, uniting diverse perspectives to identify creative solutions. Total customer focus drives us; we listen intently, respond promptly, and consistently exceed expectations. Lastly, we are dependable doers, letting our actions speak louder than words. These values are the cornerstone of Plastic Ingenuity.