CNC Machinist

Job Title

CNC Machinist

Location

Siler City, North Carolina

Department

Manufacturing / Machine Shop / Production

Reports To

Production Supervisor / Shop Manager

Job Summary

The CNC Machinist is responsible for programming, setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC machines to produce high?quality parts per engineering drawings and specifications. This position ensures parts are manufactured to tolerance, monitors machine performance, inspects parts, and works to continuously improve processes.

Key Responsibilities / Duties

• Read, interpret, and follow blueprints, technical drawings, and engineering specifications
• Plan machining operations: determine sequence of operations, tools, feeds, speeds, and fixture requirements
• Program or edit CNC code (G?code, M?code, conversational) as needed
• Set up CNC machines (mills, lathes, or mills/turn centers) including fixturing, tool offsets, workholding
• Perform test runs / dry runs and make adjustments to ensure part quality
• Operate machines to fabricate parts; monitor operations and make feed/speed adjustments based on tool wear or machine conditions
• Use precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, height gages, micrometer, dial indicators, gauges) to inspect in?process and finished parts
• Adjust machine settings or tooling to maintain tolerance and detect defects
• Perform preventive maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs on machines
• Maintain machine logs, production reports, and tooling records
• Maintain a clean and safe work area; follow all safety procedures and company policies
• Assist with troubleshooting machining or quality issues, recommend process improvements
• Collaborate with quality, engineering, and other departments as needed
• Train or mentor less experienced machinists or operators (if required)

Qualifications / Requirements

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Technical or vocational training in machining or CNC preferred
• Prior experience as a CNC Machinist or in a similar role in a machine shop or manufacturing environment
• Experience with programming, setup, and operation of CNC mills and/or lathes

Skills & Abilities

• Strong ability to read blueprints, engineering drawings, and schematics
• Proficiency with G?code, M?code, conversational programming or ability to learn
• Excellent knowledge of machining practices, materials, tooling, speeds, and feeds
• Experience with precision measuring instruments and inspection procedures
• Mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and ability to diagnose machine issues
• Good math skills (fractions, decimals, geometry, trigonometry)
• Strong attention to detail and quality
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work under time/production constraints
• Good communication skills and ability to work with cross?functional teams
• Willingness to work overtime or alternate shifts as required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and lift parts/tooling (often up to ~30?65 lbs or more depending on the job)
• Ability to work in a shop environment with noise, vibration, and use of safety PPE

Preferred / Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with specific controller types (e.g. Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Siemens)
• Experience with multi?axis machining (3, 4, or 5 axis)
• Prior experience in process improvement, lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement
• Certifications (e.g. NIMS/ANSI, or CNC/Machining certifications)
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software (Mastercam, SolidWorks, etc.)

Working Conditions & Environment

• Manufacturing shop floor environment with noise, metal chips, coolant, and moving machinery
• Use of safety gear: eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, safety shoes
• Shift work or overtime may be required
• Occasional weekend or off?shift work depending on production demands