Junior CNC Milling & Turning Operator (Level 1)

Plank Enterprises, Inc.; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Plank Enterprises, Inc. is seeking a motivated Junior CNC Milling & Turning Operator to join our Wisconsin manufacturing team. You will operate CNC lathes and mills, perform basic setups, conduct quality checks, and learn to adjust tooling and offsets under guidance.

You will read simple blueprints, measure parts with calipers and micrometers, and maintain a clean, safe work area while following ISO procedures and PPE requirements. Training is provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical machining coursework or certificate preferred.
• On-the-job training provided.
• Forklift/crane experience a plus.

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 and interpret basic blueprints and drawings with support for complex prints.
• Hold tolerances by supervised minor program or offset adjustments.
• Measure parts with calipers, micrometers, Go/No-Go gauges, height gauges and indicators.
• Record in-process results; follow ISO procedures and quality standards.
• Follow safety policies; maintain a clean, orderly work area.
• Report unsafe conditions or quality concerns promptly; assist with problem solving.

Skills

Blueprint reading

GD&T basics

Precision measurement

Basic math

Communication

Willingness to learn

Education

High School diploma or GED

Machining training or certificate

Tools

Bridgeport

Surface grinder

CNC basics

Job description

Your day as a Junior CNC Milling & Turning Operator

When 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 do

• Operate 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 bring

• Ability 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 & experience

• High 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 demands

• Regularly 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; elevate complex problems promptly.
• Balance short‑term task completion with adherence to long‑term quality standards and procedures.

Work environment

• Manufacturing 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 targets

• GD&T
• Troubleshooting Skills
• G‑Code
• Tape Measure Reading
• M‑Code
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
• Advanced Inspection & Gauge Measurement
• Machine Geometry & Alignment
• Machine Setups for Production Runs
• Troubleshooting CNC Machines

Equipment you will encounter

• Horizontal Machining Center (3‑4 axis) (Haas, Okuma, Doosan, Makino, Niigata)
• Horizontal Machining Center (5+ axis)