Senior CNC Machinist: Programming, Setup & Mentoring

Burke Porter, an Ascential Technologies Brand; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Burke Porter, an Ascential Technologies Brand in Grand Rapids, MI, is seeking a CNC Machinist III to set up, program, and optimize CNC milling machines in a low-volume, high-mix environment. You will read blueprints, select tooling, and ensure parts meet engineering specifications.

The role emphasizes training and mentoring, collaboration with engineering and quality teams, and continuous improvement, with full-time on-site work and occasional overtime.

Qualifications

• Journeyman Machinist certification or 5-8 years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced CNC setup, operation, and programming experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Knowledge and application of GD&T principles.
• Experience with CAM programming software; Visi experience preferred.
• Strong shop math skills, including geometry, trigonometry, and dimensional calculations.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment and inspection techniques.
• Knowledge of high-speed carbide tooling and machining best practices.
• Ability to train and mentor new employees.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts and overhead cranes.
• Ability to provide and maintain personal measuring instruments and hand tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working independently.
• Ability to work overtime and occasional weekends as business needs require.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, program, and optimize CNC milling machines to produce precision components in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Create, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs using CAM software while selecting appropriate tooling, workholding, speeds, and feeds to maximize efficiency and quality.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements to ensure dimensional accuracy and compliance with customer and engineering standards.
• Inspect parts using precision measuring equipment and verify conformance to quality requirements throughout the manufacturing process.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, setup, and program issues; adjust offsets and machining parameters as needed to improve productivity, cycle times, tool life, and overall process performance.
• Train and mentor new machinists on machine operation, setup procedures, quality standards, and safe work practices while serving as a technical resource for the department.

Skills

Advanced CNC setup

Programming experience

GD&T knowledge

Blueprint reading

Problem-solving

Education

Journeyman Machinist certification

5-8 years CNC machining experience

Tools

CAM programming software

Visi CAM

Precision measuring equipment

Job description

Burke Porter, an Ascential Technologies Brand in Grand Rapids, MI, is seeking a CNC Machinist III to set up, program, and optimize CNC milling machines in a low-volume, high-mix environment. You will read blueprints, select tooling, and ensure parts meet engineering specifications.

The role emphasizes training and mentoring, collaboration with engineering and quality teams, and continuous improvement, with full-time on-site work and occasional overtime.