Production Machining Technician / 1st Shift

Danfoss; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Danfoss in Ames, IA is seeking a Production Machining Technician for the 1st shift (6:00 am – 2:00 pm). You will set up, operate, and monitor CNC and conventional machining equipment to produce precision parts that meet prints, tolerances, and safety standards.

You’ll read prints, load programs, perform in-process checks with calipers and micrometers, document results, and collaborate with maintenance, quality, and manufacturing teams to improve processes and sustain production flow.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required; technical certificate, apprenticeship preferred.
• Experience in CNC machining, manual machining, manufacturing, inspection, or related technical environment preferred.
• Able to read machining prints, routings, work instructions, safety rules, inspection plans, and machine documentation.
• Working knowledge of shop math, precision measurement, and basic computer use.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, reliability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor CNC and conventional machining equipment per prints, routings, work instructions, and schedules.
• Load programs, fixtures, tooling, and material; verify offsets, tool condition, orientation, and machine readiness.
• Produce parts to required tolerances, dimensions, surface finish, and quality standards while monitoring tool wear, machine performance, and process stability.
• Perform in-process checks using appropriate measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, indicators, gauges).
• Read and interpret prints, tooling sheets, inspection plans, tolerances, and basic GD&T.
• Identify and communicate nonconforming parts, machine issues, tooling concerns, safety risks, downtime, scrap, and other process abnormalities.
• Make routine offsets and adjustments within guidelines to maintain quality and production flow.
• Follow safety, PPE, lockout/tagout, cleanliness, and 5S expectations.
• Document production activity, inspection results, downtime, scrap, rework, and required information accurately.
• Collaborate with teammates, team leaders, process, quality, programming, and maintenance personnel to resolve issues and support continuous improvement.

Skills

CNC machining

Manual machining

Inspection

Reading prints

Safety awareness

Quality mindset

Education

High school diploma

Technical certificate / apprenticeship

Associate degree in machining/manufacturing

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gages

Job description

Production Machining Technician / 1st Shift

Req ID: 52287 Job Location: Ames, IA, US Employment Type: Full Time Segment: Danfoss Power Solutions Segment Job Category: Supply Chain and Operations Work Location Type: On-site Job Experience Level: Hourly Paid

The Impact You'll Make

Production Machining Technician sets up, operates, and supports CNC and conventional machining equipment to produce precision parts that meet print, quality, safety, and delivery requirements. This role helps maintain production flow through standard work, quality checks, issue communication, and continuous improvement.

This is a 1st Shift position, Monday through Friday - 6:00 am to 2:00 pm.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Set up, operate, and monitor CNC and conventional machining equipment per prints, routings, work instructions, and schedules.
• Load programs, fixtures, tooling, and material; verify offsets, tool condition, orientation, and machine readiness.
• Produce parts to required tolerances, dimensions, surface finish, and quality standards while monitoring tool wear, machine performance, and process stability.
• Perform in-process checks using appropriate measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, indicators, gages, and cell-specific inspection equipment.
• Read and interpret prints, tooling sheets, inspection plans, quality documents, tolerances, and basic GD&T.
• Identify and communicate nonconforming parts, machine issues, tooling concerns, safety risks, downtime, scrap, and other process abnormalities.
• Make routine offsets and adjustments within guidelines to maintain quality and production flow.
• Follow safety, PPE, lockout/tagout where applicable, housekeeping, and 5S expectations.
• Document production activity, inspection results, downtime, scrap, rework, and required information accurately.
• Work with teammates, team leaders, process, quality, programming, and maintenance personnel to resolve issues and support continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required; technical certificate, apprenticeship, associate degree or machining/manufacturing training preferred.
• Experience in CNC machining, manual machining, manufacturing, inspection, mechanical maintenance, or a related technical environment preferred.
• Able to read machining prints, routings, work instructions, safety rules, inspection plans, and machine documentation.
• Working knowledge of shop math, precision measurement, basic computer use, and machining quality expectations.
• Mechanical aptitude to recognize tool wear, chatter, finish issues, dimensional drift, coolant concerns, or setup problems.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, reliability, teamwork, accurate documentation, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Get from Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
• You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
• You’ll receive benefits including paid time off, paid vacation, 401k retirement plan with company match, personal insurance, tuition reimbursement and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you!

Our Commitment to Transparency

Salary ranges listed reflect only primary location and currency. For local salary ranges and specific benefits in your preferred hiring location, please ask your Talent Acquisition representative for more information.

The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Any benefits listed do not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Please visit our FAQ Page.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.

Information at a Glance

Danfoss engineers solutions that increase machine productivity, reduce emissions, lower energy consumption, and enable electrification.

Our solutions are used in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, power conversion, motor control, industrial machinery, marine, and on- and off-highway equipment. We also provide solutions for data centers, renewable energy, energy storage, heat recovery, as well as contribute to district energy solutions for cities.

Our innovative engineering dates back to 1933. Danfoss is family-owned and employs over 39,000 people. We create long-term value for our customers in more than 100 countries with a global footprint of around 100 factories.