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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Operator

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingIndustrialCNCMachiningProduction

🎯 Role Definition

The CNC Operator is responsible for safely setting up, programming, operating and maintaining computer numerical control (CNC) machines to manufacture precision parts to customer specifications. This role requires hands-on machining experience (milling, turning, or turn‑mill), a deep understanding of G-code and CAM workflow, strong blueprint/GD&T interpretation, and consistent quality control using precision measurement instruments and inspection processes. The CNC Operator collaborates with engineers, maintenance, quality and production teams to reduce cycle times, improve yields, and deliver on-time parts while adhering to safety and compliance standards (ISO/AS9100).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Machinist apprentice or trainee
  • Production operator or machine tender
  • Toolroom technician

Advancement To:

  • CNC Programmer / CAM Specialist
  • Lead CNC Operator / Shift Lead
  • Tooling Engineer or Set‑up Specialist
  • Manufacturing Supervisor / Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Inspector / Metrology Technician
  • Maintenance Technician / Machine Repair
  • CAD/CAM Programmer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Set up, load, and operate CNC milling and turning centers (vertical/horizontal mills, lathes, live‑tooling, mill‑turn machines) by interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints and GD&T to produce parts within specified tolerances, finishes and quantities.
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, work orders and process documentation to select correct tooling, fixtures, cutting parameters and sequences for each job.
  • Create, edit and optimize CNC programs using G‑code and CAM software (Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Fusion 360 or equivalent), and perform on‑machine program verification and first‑part runoffs to validate program accuracy.
  • Perform complex machine setups including fixturing, tool offsets, workholding installation and probe routines; document setup sheets and job travelers to ensure repeatability.
  • Use precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, thread gauges) and coordinate measuring machines (CMM) to perform dimensional inspections and first article inspections (FAI); record inspection data in quality systems.
  • Monitor machine operation and part quality during production cycles, making real‑time adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface finish while minimizing scrap.
  • Perform preventive maintenance and basic mechanical/electrical troubleshooting on CNC machinery to reduce downtime and escalate repairs to maintenance teams as needed.
  • Implement and maintain tool management practices including tool selection, tool life tracking, tool presetter use, and control of tool inventory to optimize costs and uptime.
  • Apply statistical process control (SPC) methods and maintain process control charts to detect trends and implement corrective actions to improve process capability.
  • Follow safety procedures, lockout/tagout, and proper handling of cutting fluids and coolants; ensure work area and machines meet housekeeping and safety standards.
  • Collaborate with engineering and production planners to qualify new fixtures, tooling and processes; participate in design reviews to ensure manufacturability and cost‑effective production.
  • Document production metrics including cycle time, setup time, scrap/rework, and machine utilization; report daily production status and identify opportunities to improve throughput.
  • Execute secondary operations (deburring, tapping, reaming, assembly) or coordinate hand‑off to secondary operations to deliver finished parts ready for inspection or shipment.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis) by proposing and implementing process improvements that reduce cycle time and scrap while increasing production capacity.
  • Train, mentor and provide hands‑on guidance to junior operators and machine tenders on setup techniques, safe operation and inspection practices.
  • Verify material condition and traceability for work orders, ensuring correct raw material, heat numbers, and certifications are used and recorded per customer requirements.
  • Maintain accurate production and quality records in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Epicor) including lot tracking, nonconformance reports and disposition of scrap or rework.
  • Execute first article inspections (FAI) and supplier part evaluation support when required, documenting results and working with quality/engineering to close any nonconformances.
  • Optimize machining strategies to reduce cycle times and tooling costs by selecting appropriate feeds, speeds, toolpaths and cutting parameters based on material and fixture constraints.
  • Operate multi‑axis (3, 4, 5‑axis) machines and perform complex contouring and simultaneous machining operations when required to meet part geometry and surface finish targets.
  • Adhere to company and industry quality standards (ISO, AS9100) and customer specifications, participating in audits and corrective/preventive action processes as needed.
  • Maintain strong communication with production planning, quality, and shipping to ensure on‑time deliveries and accurate completion of work orders.

Secondary Functions

  • Support continuous documentation and standardization of setup procedures, tooling lists and process parameter libraries for repeatable production.
  • Participate in cross‑functional improvement teams (production, maintenance, quality, engineering) to drive throughput, uptime and first pass yield improvements.
  • Assist in the evaluation and qualification of new CAM/CNC technologies and tooling solutions to improve machining efficiency and capability.
  • Support ad‑hoc technical requests such as prototype machining, short‑run work and sample part production for new product launches.
  • Contribute to machine safety reviews and ergonomic assessments to reduce workplace injuries and improve operator comfort.
  • Help maintain spare parts and tooling inventories and coordinate with procurement to ensure critical items are stocked.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CNC programming and editing (G‑code), including conversational controls and post‑processing knowledge.
  • Hands‑on experience with CAM software such as Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Fusion 360, SolidCAM or equivalent.
  • Operation and setup of CNC mills, lathes, mill‑turn and multi‑axis machines (Haas, Fanuc, Okuma, Mazak, DMG Mori).
  • Blueprint reading and geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) interpretation.
  • Proficiency with precision measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height stands) and metrology equipment including CMM.
  • Tooling and fixturing design/setup, tool offset management, and use of tool presetter equipment.
  • Knowledge of cutting tool materials and coatings (carbide, PCD, coated end mills) and selection for material types.
  • SPC and basic statistics for process control and quality improvement.
  • Preventive maintenance and basic mechanical/electrical troubleshooting on CNC machinery.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Epicor, Oracle) for work order tracking and production reporting.
  • Familiarity with machining of common materials: aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, alloy steels, plastics, and exotic alloys.
  • First Article Inspection (FAI) and experience with inspection documentation and nonconformance reporting.
  • Ability to read and implement work instructions, process sheets and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Knowledge of coolant and chip management, including proper disposal and environmental compliance.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality, repeatable parts.
  • Problem solving and root cause analysis skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with engineering, quality and production teams.
  • Time management and organizational skills to prioritize setups, run orders and meet delivery deadlines.
  • Team player attitude and willingness to train/mentor less‑experienced staff.
  • Adaptability to changing production priorities and willingness to work flexible shifts when required.
  • Safety‑focused mindset and personal accountability for a safe work environment.
  • Customer service orientation when interacting with internal stakeholders and external customers on part issues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with relevant vocational training.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree, technical diploma or certificate in CNC machining, manufacturing technology, or precision machining.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • CNC Machining / Precision Machining
  • Manufacturing Technology / Industrial Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Tooling & Fixture Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of hands‑on CNC machining experience for entry to mid roles; 3–7+ years preferred for senior or multi‑machine operators.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience programming and setting up CNC mills and lathes in a production environment.
  • Experience with multi‑axis machining and CAM packages (Mastercam/GibbsCAM/Fusion 360).
  • Experience in regulated industries (aerospace, medical, defense) or with ISO/AS9100 quality systems is a plus.
  • Demonstrated track record of process improvement, reduced cycle times, and mentoring junior staff.

If you are a detail‑oriented CNC Operator with proven machining skills, strong blueprint/GD&T knowledge and a drive to continuously improve processes, we encourage you to apply and join a high‑performance manufacturing team.

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