MACHINIST II

General Equipment; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

General Equipment in Minnesota seeks a skilled CNC machinist to program, set up, and operate mills and lathes while upholding strict quality and safety standards.

The role emphasizes planning operations, interpreting GD&T, verifying measurements, documenting production, and maintaining tooling and equipment. A two-year technical degree and 3+ years of CNC experience are preferred, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and teamwork in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of raw materials, quality control, costs, and techniques used to improve manufacturing effectiveness.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English, both spoken and written, and to work with management and coworkers.
• Demonstrated proficiency with CAM systems and related process controls.

Responsibilities

• Plan machining operations by reviewing work orders and drawings; interpret GD&T.
• Program mills and lathes; set tool registers and offsets; prove out part programs.
• Set up mills and lathes; install and adjust tooling and fixtures.
• Load stock and position material for machining; measure to verify positions.

Skills

English communication

Planning & organizing

Deadlines

Lean manufacturing

Education

Two-year technical degree or certificate in machine tool technology

Tools

CAM systems

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Produces machined parts by programming, setting up, and operating computer numerical control (CNC) machines while maintaining quality and safety standards, documenting production activity, and maintaining equipment and supplies.

Essential Functions

• Plan machining operations by reviewing work orders, engineering drawings, material specifications, orthographic drawings, reference planes, surface locations, and machining parameters; interpret geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Manage stock inventory by checking available quantities, anticipating material needs, placing and expediting orders, and verifying receipt of materials.
• Program mills and lathes by entering instructions and zero-reference points; setting tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches; calculating requirements using mathematics, geometry, and trigonometry; and proving out part programs.
• Set up mills and lathes by installing and adjusting chucks, tools, attachments, collets, bushings, cams, gears, stops, and stock pushers; indicating workpieces and tramming machine heads as required.
• Load stock into machine feed mechanisms and position material for machining.
• Verify machine settings by measuring positions, first-run parts, and sample workpieces in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.
• Maintain part specifications by monitoring drilling, grooving, cutting, turning, facing, knurling, and thread-chasing operations; taking measurements; identifying malfunctions; troubleshooting processes; adjusting or reprogramming controls; sharpening or replacing worn tools; and following quality-assurance procedures.
• Maintain safe operations by following applicable safety procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Maintain equipment by completing preventive maintenance tasks in accordance with manufacturer instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, and requesting repairs when needed.
• Support shift-to-shift continuity by documenting and communicating completed work, irregularities, and outstanding needs.
• Complete production records, quality logs, and other required documentation.
• Maintain and update job knowledge by participating in training and other learning opportunities and reviewing technical publications.
• Support organizational goals by taking ownership of assigned work, responding to new or different requests, and identifying opportunities to improve results.

Perform other duties as assigned by management

Position Qualifications

• Knowledge of raw materials, quality control, costs, and techniques used to improve manufacturing effectiveness and product distribution.
• Knowledge of precision measuring instruments and their application, including calipers, inside/outside micrometers, depth gauges, indicators, and scales.
• Understanding of basic business principles related to planning, resource allocation, and coordination of resources.
• Demonstrated skill and proficiency with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems and related process controls.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in spoken and written English and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with management and coworkers.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete work accurately under time constraints and interruptions; meet deadlines; and work independently with minimal direction or supervision.
• Ability to remain flexible, resilient, and composed while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with coworkers, managers, executives, and others with varied working styles to achieve accountability and results.
• Ability to foster positive working relationships with employees, clients, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders relevant to the business.
• Ability to meet the physical and cognitive requirements of the essential job functions.
• Regular, consistent, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques as applied to the company’s products.

Skills and Abilities

Education

Two-year technical degree or certificate in machine tool technology, or comparable work experience.

Experience

Three or more years of experience in a CNC machining environment.

Computer Skills

Demonstrated proficiency in CNC machine-tool programming languages; working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.