Machinist

Position Summary

The Machinist fabricates, modifies, and repairs precision metal parts and components using manual and CNC machine tools. This role operates within our manufacturing environment and is responsible for reading engineering drawings, setting up equipment, machining raw materials to specifications, and inspecting finished parts for dimensional accuracy. The Machinist works closely with engineering and production teams to meet quality standards and production schedules.

Core Responsibilities

• Machine Setup & Operation: Set up and operate manual and CNC lathes, mills, grinders, and drills to produce parts per engineering drawings and tolerances. Select and install appropriate tooling, fixtures, and workholding devices for each job; verify alignment and calibration before running production. Write or load CNC programs (G-code/M-code); make offsets and adjustments during production runs to maintain dimensional conformance. Monitor cutting conditions (speed, feed, coolant) and adjust parameters to optimize tool life and surface finish.

• Quality Inspection & Measurement: Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, CMM, gauges) and verify conformance to print tolerances. Document first-article and in-process inspection results; identify and report non-conformances promptly to the supervisor or quality team. Read and interpret GD&T callouts, tolerances, and material specifications on engineering drawings and CAD models. Participate in corrective action efforts by providing root-cause input related to machining processes and tooling.

• Maintenance, Safety & Continuous Improvement: Perform routine preventive maintenance on assigned machines (lubrication, chip removal, filter changes) and report mechanical issues for repair. Follow all shop safety protocols including PPE requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and proper handling of cutting fluids and metal chips. Identify process inefficiencies and suggest improvements to reduce setup time, scrap, or cycle time; participate in 5S and continuous improvement initiatives. Maintain an organized and clean work area; properly label and store in-process and finished parts according to shop floor procedures.

Qualifications

• Required Experience: 3+ years of hands-on experience operating manual lathes, mills, and/or CNC machining equipment in a production or job-shop environment. Proficiency with precision measuring tools: micrometers, vernier calipers, dial indicators, and bore gauges. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T symbols. High school diploma or GED; vocational/technical training in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field preferred.

• Preferred Background: Experience with Fanuc, Haas, or Mazak CNC controls; familiarity with CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360) is a plus. Background in a precision manufacturing environment producing tight-tolerance parts (±0.001” or better) is strongly preferred. NIMS certification or completion of a formal machinist apprenticeship is a plus.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform tasks that involve standing for extended periods, walking throughout the shop floor, lifting and maneuvering workpieces and fixtures up to 50+ lbs, bending and stooping, use of hand tools and power equipment, exposure to metal chips and cutting fluids, and working in a manufacturing environment with elevated noise levels. Candidates should be able to meet these physical demands with or without reasonable accommodations.