Entry Level CNC Operator

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley; Town of Saugerties (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley in Saugerties, NY, is seeking an entry-level CNC Machine Operator. You will load materials, start production cycles, and help ensure parts meet blueprint specifications.

No prior experience is required as on-the-job training is provided. The position offers a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm and a pay rate of $20–$21 per hour, with potential for temp-to-perm conversion.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and comfort with hand tools.
• Basic shop math including decimals and fractions.
• Ability to stand 8–10 hours and lift 35–50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Machine Operation: Loading and securing raw materials into CNC machines (mills or lathes) and initiating pre-set programs.
• Quality Control: Inspecting finished parts using calipers, micrometers, and gauges to ensure they meet blueprint specifications.
• Production Monitoring: Observing machine cycles to detect malfunctions or unusual noises and reporting issues to a supervisor or lead machinist.
• Part Finishing: Performing basic secondary operations such as deburring, edge breaking, and cleaning finished components.
• Routine Maintenance: Maintaining coolant and lubrication levels and removing metal chips from the workspace.
• Documentation: Recording production numbers and quality inspection results in daily logs or digital systems.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Basic shop math

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Title: Machine / CNC Entry Level Operator

Location: Saugerties, NY

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7am – 3:30pm

Pay: $20 - $21 per hour (based on experience)

Job Type: Full time, Temp to Perm

Job Summary

An entry-level CNC Machine Operator is responsible for the daily operation of pre-programmed manufacturing machinery. This role focuses on loading materials, starting production cycles, and ensuring parts meet quality standards. It is an ideal starting point for individuals with strong mechanical aptitude who want to build a career in precision manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine Operation: Loading and securing raw materials into CNC machines (mills or lathes) and initiating pre-set programs.
• Quality Control: Inspecting finished parts using precision tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges to ensure they meet blueprint specifications.
• Production Monitoring: Observing machine cycles to detect malfunctions or unusual noises and reporting issues to a supervisor or lead machinist.
• Part Finishing: Performing basic secondary operations such as deburring, edge breaking, and cleaning finished components.
• Routine Maintenance: Maintaining appropriate coolant and lubrication levels and removing metal chips from the workspace.
• Documentation: Recording production numbers and quality inspection results in daily logs or digital systems.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Mechanical Aptitude: Comfort working with hand tools and a basic understanding of how machinery functions.
• Mathematical Skills: Basic proficiency in shop math, including decimals, fractions.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining a clean work area (5S standards).
• Physical Demands: Ability to stand for 8–10 hours per day and lift/move materials weighing up to 35–50 lbs.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Willingness to wear required safety gear, including steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and ear protection.
• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience: No prior experience is often required as many companies provide on-the-job training.

Work Environment & Schedule

Primarily factory-based; can be noisy and may involve exposure to hazardous materials requiring personal protective equipment (PPE). Often structured in shifts (1st, 2nd, or 3rd), with typical 40-hour weeks; overtime may be required during peak production.