Machinist I

Vermeer Corporation; Pella (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Vermeer Corporation in Pella, IA, is hiring a Machinist I to begin your career in advanced manufacturing. You’ll learn to set up and operate precision machining equipment to produce high-quality parts for Vermeer’s world-class equipment.

This entry-level role emphasizes safety, continuous improvement, and craftsmanship as you work with CNC centers, read blueprints, and contribute to uptime. First shift, hourly wage range $26.20–$28.87, with opportunities to grow your skills.

Qualifications

• Entry-level machining experience or formal training.
• Ability to successfully complete Vermeer Machining Training Program.
• Ability to learn and apply techniques for verifying part quality using micrometers, calipers, and height gauges; document results and maintain tight tolerances.
• Readiness to set up and operate CNC machining centers, CNC turning centers, press brakes, lasers, drills, benders, and plate cutters.
• Commitment to safety, equipment care, and workplace organization, including performing TPM, following EHS, LOTO, and PPE procedures, and supporting 5S and Continuous Improvement.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC centers to manufacture parts per specs.
• Read blueprints and GD&T; select tooling and load programs to meet tolerances.
• Make basic program edits at the control and update tool/work offsets.
• Verify part quality with micrometers, calipers, and height gauges; document results.
• Safely load/unload materials and operate overhead cranes following safety procedures.
• Apply shop math for accuracy and process optimization.
• Meet rate targets with minimal scrap and support TPM/CI initiatives.

Skills

Machining training

CNC machining

Blueprints & GD&T

Safety compliance

PPE procedures

Job description

Who We Are

Vermeer equips customers doing important work around the world. We are global, driven by innovation and growing. The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities. We live out a caring culture, we demonstrate agility, we keep a focus on customers and are stewards of our resources. These beliefs drive our culture, determine how we treat others and steer our business.

Who We Are

Vermeer equips customers doing important work around the world. We are global, driven by innovation and growing. The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities. We live out a caring culture, we demonstrate agility, we keep a focus on customers and are stewards of our resources. These beliefs drive our culture, determine how we treat others and steer our business.

Work Shift

1 - First Shift

Hourly Wage Range

$26.20 - $28.87

Job Summary

Are you ready to launch your career in advanced manufacturing? As a Machinist I at Vermeer, you’ll learn to set up and operate precision machining equipment to produce high-quality parts. Join a team that values safety, continuous improvement, and craftsmanship as you help shape raw materials into essential components for Vermeer’s world-class equipment.

What You’ll Do

• Set up and operate Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machining centers (horizontal machining center/vertical machining center, 3–4-axis), CNC turning centers, press brakes, lasers, drills, benders, and plate cutters (e.g., Fanuc, Siemens, HAAS controls) to manufacture parts to precise specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T); select tooling, work-holding fixtures, and load programs to meet tight tolerance requirements.
• Make basic program edits at the control and update tool and work offsets (G54–G59) as directed.
• Use micrometers, calipers, and height gauges to verify part quality; document results and consistently hold tight tolerances.
• Safely load and unload raw materials and finished products, operating overhead/jib cranes and hoists, and following rigging, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) procedures.
• Apply shop math, including decimals, fractions, and basic trigonometry, to support accuracy, cycle time, and process optimization.
• Meet rate and throughput targets with minimal scrap; perform routine equipment checks and Total Preventative Maintenance (TPM); support 5S/lean initiatives and contribute to Continuous Improvement (CI/kaizen) by escalating issues to protect uptime.

What We’re Looking For

• Entry-level machining experience or formal training (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred.
• Ability to successfully complete Vermeer Machining Training Program.
• Ability to learn and apply techniques for verifying part quality using micrometers, calipers, and height gauges; document results and maintain tight tolerances.
• Readiness to set up and operate CNC machining centers, CNC turning centers, press brakes, lasers, drills, benders, and plate cutters.
• Capacity to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T; select tooling, work-holding fixtures, and load programs to meet tolerance requirements; make basic program edits at the control and update tool/work offsets as directed.
• Commitment to safety, equipment care, and workplace organization, including performing TPM, following EHS, LOTO, and PPE procedures, and supporting 5S and Continuous Improvement.

Travel

• No travel is expected of this position.

Essential Functions

• Standing: Frequently
• Sitting: Frequently
• Walking: Frequently
• Hand Coordination: At least average/bilateral
• Twisting: Rarely (up to 1 minute in position)
• Bending - Trunk: Rarely (up to 1 minute in position)
• Bending - Neck: Occasionally (up to 25 degree flex & 30 degree extension for up to 2 minutes)
• Elevated Work/Reach: Rarely (up to 1 minute in position)
• Squatting/Kneeling: Rarely (up to 1 minute in position)
• Climbing: Rarely
• Pulling: Rarely (up to 80 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)
• Pushing: Rarely (up to 80 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)
• RH Grip: Rarely (up to 80 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)
• LH Grip: Rarely (up to 80 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)
• RH Pinch: Rarely (up to 15 lbs) Occasionally (up to 5 lbs) Frequently (up to 2 lbs)
• LH Pinch: Rarely (up to 15 lbs) Occasionally (up to 5 lbs) Frequently (up to 2 lbs)
• Floor to Waist Lift: Rarely (up to 50 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs)
• Horizontal Lift: (up to 50 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)
• Waist to Crown Lift: Rarely (up to 40 lbs) Occasionally (up to 5 lbs)

Work Location

ONSITE: A team member’s day-to-day work is best done on a Vermeer campus. If work content can be occasionally completed at an offsite location, discuss potential arrangements with your manager.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Vermeer Corporation, we believe in the value of your unique identity, background, and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other status protected by the law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact Team Member Solutions at [phone] or at [e-mail].

Interested? We’d love to get to know you.