Junior CNC Milling & Turning Operator (Level 1)

Plank Manufacturing Enterprises; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Plank Manufacturing Enterprises in Eau Claire, WI, is seeking a Junior CNC Milling & Turning Operator to support our precision machining cell.

You will operate CNC lathes and mills, perform warm-ups, read basic blueprints, measure parts with calipers and micrometers, and document in-process results while following ISO procedures. Training and on-the-job instruction are provided.

This entry-level role emphasizes attention to detail, safety, and teamwork in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical coursework or certificate in machining preferred.
• On-the-job training provided.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC lathes and mills following setups and work instructions.
• Perform routine machine warm-ups and checks; load/unload parts and tool changes.
• Read blueprints and prints; hold tolerances with supervised minor program offsets.
• Measure parts with calipers, micrometers, gauges; document results.
• Follow ISO procedures and PPE; maintain a clean, safe work area.
• Report safety or quality issues to leads or supervisors promptly.

Skills

GD&T

Tape measure reading

G-Code

M-Code

CNC Setup

Precision Measurement

Hand Metrology

Machine Geometry

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical certificate in machining

Apprenticeship program

Tools

Haas control

Okuma control

Doosan control

Makino control

Job description

Your day as a Junior CNC Milling & Turning OperatorWhen you walk onto the manufacturing floor, your first task is to ready your station. You power up a CNC lathe or mill, run a warm-up, verify basic checks, and review the work order and print. Throughout the shift, you load and unload parts, swap common tooling inserts, and make minor program or offset adjustments under guidance to keep parts within spec. Between cycles, you measure parts with calipers, micrometers, Go/No-Go gauges, height gauges, and indicators, documenting in-process results with accuracy. You keep your area clean, follow ISO procedures and PPE requirements, and flag any safety, machine, or quality issues early so the team can stay on schedule.What you will doOperate CNC lathes and/or mills, and use basic manual machines (drill press, Bridgeport, surface grinder) following established setups and work instructions.Perform routine machine warm-ups and checks; load/unload parts and execute basic tool insert changes.Read and interpret basic blueprints and manufacturing drawings (with support for more complex prints).Hold tolerances by making supervised minor program or offset adjustments.Measure parts using calipers, micrometers, Go/No-Go gauges, height gauges, and indicators; complete accurate in-process inspections.Record labor, work order details, and inspection results; follow ISO procedures and company quality standards.Follow machine safety practices, PPE, and all safety policies; maintain a clean, orderly, hazard‑free work area.Report unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, or quality concerns promptly; assist with basic problem solving.Move raw material, finished parts, tooling, and fixtures; operate forklifts and jib/overhead cranes safely (training/certification provided if needed).Communicate issues related to quality, machine performance, materials, or documentation to leads or supervisors.Participate in training and skill development; demonstrate reliable attendance and a learning mindset.Perform other duties as assigned to support team and company objectives.Note: Complex setups, advanced troubleshooting, multi‑axis programming, and process optimization are typically handled by Level 2/3 Machinists or the Machining Lead.What you bringAbility to read basic blueprints and follow work instructions; familiarity with GD&T is a plus.Comfort with precision measurement tools: calipers, micrometers, indicators, and Go/No‑Go gauges.Basic shop math (fractions/decimals, conversions) and the willingness to learn speeds/feeds and tooling fundamentals.Computer literacy for data entry and viewing work instructions/prints.Strong attention to detail, focus on quality, accountability, and effective communication in both independent and team settings.Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and progress toward higher‑level machinist responsibilities.Education & experienceHigh school diploma or GED required.Technical coursework, apprenticeship, or certificate in machining preferred.Prior machining experience helpful but not required; on‑the‑job training provided.Forklift/crane experience is a plus; certification provided if needed.Physical and mental demandsRegularly stand, walk, reach, handle tools/parts, and communicate.Frequently bend, stoop, or kneel; lift and/or move up to 40 lbs.Visual acuity: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.Maintain focus and accuracy in a fast‑paced, schedule‑driven environment.Apply basic problem‑solving to routine issues; escalate complex problems promptly.Balance short‑term task completion with adherence to long‑term quality standards and procedures.Work environmentManufacturing floor with exposure to moving mechanical parts, cutting fluids, and airborne particles.Noise ranges from moderate to loud; PPE is required per area standards.May rotate between machines, shifts, or cells based on production needs.Proficiency targetsGD&TTroubleshooting SkillsG‑CodeTape Measure ReadingM‑CodeCNC Machine Setup & ChangeoverPrecision Measurement & Hand MetrologyAdvanced Inspection & Gauge MeasurementMachine Geometry & AlignmentMachine Setups for Production RunsTroubleshooting CNC MachinesEquipment you will encounterHorizontal Machining Center (3‑4 axis) (Haas, Okuma, Doosan, Makino, Niigata)Horizontal Machining Center (5+ axis)