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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CNC Machinist

💰 $45,000 - $85,000

ManufacturingCNCMachiningSkilled TradesEngineering

🎯 Role Definition

A CNC Machinist programs, sets up, operates and optimizes computer numerical control (CNC) mills and lathes (including 3-, 4- and 5-axis machines) to produce precision components to drawing specifications. This role requires strong blueprint and GD&T interpretation, hands-on setup and tool selection, expertise with CAM systems (Mastercam, Fusion360, PowerMill), proficiency with Fanuc/Siemens controls and G-code, disciplined inspection practices (micrometers, CMM, calipers), adherence to safety and quality systems (ISO/AS9100), and collaboration with engineering to improve manufacturability and reduce cycle times.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Machine Operator / CNC Operator
  • Apprentice Machinist or Tool & Die Apprentice
  • Production Technician or Fabricator

Advancement To:

  • Lead CNC Machinist / Senior Machinist
  • CNC Programmer / CAM Specialist
  • Manufacturing Engineer / Process Engineer
  • Production Supervisor / Shop Manager
  • Quality Engineer (metrology/CMM specialist)

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Inspector / Metrology Technician
  • Maintenance or Industrial Mechanic
  • CAD/CAM Designer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Read, interpret and comply with engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications and inspection requirements to set up and machine precision parts on CNC mills and lathes within required tolerances and surface finish.
  • Program and edit CNC programs using CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, CATIA, PowerMill) and at-machine G-code edits to optimize toolpaths, reduce cycle time and prevent collisions.
  • Set up multi-axis and multi-op machines (3-, 4-, 5-axis milling, turning centers, mill-turn) including fixture design, workholding selection, and spindle/tool orientation to ensure repeatability and part accuracy.
  • Select, install and inspect cutting tools, holders, collets and tool offsets; manage tool life and replacement schedules to maintain consistent machining performance.
  • Perform first-article setups and run first pieces for approval; make necessary program and fixture adjustments and document setup sheets for production runs.
  • Conduct in-process and final inspections using precision measuring tools (CMM, micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges) and record measurements against specifications and SPC charts.
  • Troubleshoot machining issues (chatter, tool breakage, dimensional drift, surface finish variations) and implement corrective actions including feed/speed adjustments and tooling changes.
  • Maintain accurate production records, including job traveler, setup sheets, machine logs, scrap reports and time cards in paper and/or ERP/MRP systems.
  • Execute preventative maintenance and basic mechanical adjustments on CNC machines, including checking coolant, lubrication, backlash, belts and tool changers to minimize downtime.
  • Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to support design for manufacturability (DFM), suggest tolerance changes, and assist in product launch validation and first article inspections (FAI).
  • Ensure all parts conform to company quality standards and customer requirements; escalate and quarantine nonconforming product and complete nonconformance reports.
  • Follow and enforce shop safety policies, PPE requirements and lockout/tagout procedures when maintaining or repairing equipment.
  • Optimize cycle times and tooling strategies through continuous improvement, lean manufacturing techniques, and by participating in kaizen events or process improvement projects.
  • Program and operate CNC turning centers (live tooling, driven tools) to produce complex turned and milled features in single setups where applicable.
  • Perform manual machining and hand-finishing operations (deburring, sanding, tapping, reaming, press-fitting) when required to meet final part specifications.
  • Set up and run lights-out or unattended shifts with validated programs, tool lists and robust fixturing; confirm process stability and corrective/preventative measures are in place.
  • Use inspection software (PC-DMIS, Metrolog X4) or CMM interfaces to program simple measurement routines and compare actual parts to CAD models.
  • Maintain tooling and consumable inventories, order replacement cutters/inserts, and manage vendor relationships for specialty tooling and fixtures.
  • Train, mentor and cross-train junior machinists and operators on setup techniques, tooling best practices, safe machine operation and blueprint interpretation.
  • Participate in root cause analysis for recurring scrap or failures and implement process controls, error-proofing (poka-yoke) and documentation updates to prevent recurrence.
  • Support production scheduling by estimating setup and cycle times, prioritizing jobs, coordinating machine load and communicating status to supervisors and planners.
  • Implement and maintain 5S standards on assigned machines and work areas to ensure cleanliness, safety and ease of setup changeovers.
  • Program probes and tool setters to automatically set offsets, confirm part zero and reduce setup variability; validate probe routines during first-run approvals.
  • Assist quality department with process capability studies (Cp, Cpk), sample plan creation and continuous monitoring of critical dimensions.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist engineering with prototype builds and process validation, including creation of setup instructions and process flow documentation.
  • Participate in cross-functional problem-solving meetings with quality, engineering and production to support customer complaints or corrective actions.
  • Contribute to cost reduction initiatives by recommending more efficient tooling, batch sizes and machining sequences.
  • Provide input to purchasing on tooling, fixtures and consumables based on usage trends and performance.
  • Help maintain CNC program libraries and CAD/CAM templates to speed future job set ups and ensure version control.
  • Support shop audits and demonstrate compliance with ISO/AS9100 quality standards and internal process controls.
  • Document lessons learned and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials for new equipment or processes.
  • Assist in onboarding and development of apprentices and vocational school hires, providing hands-on mentorship and evaluation.
  • Perform cycle counting for critical tooling and maintain records to minimize production interruptions.
  • Support manufacturing trials and pilot runs to validate production readiness for new or revised parts.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CNC programming (Mastercam, Fusion 360, PowerMill, or equivalent CAM) and at-machine G-code editing.
  • Proficiency with Fanuc and Siemens CNC controls, conversational controls and offsets management.
  • Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation to ANSI/ASME standards.
  • Multi-axis machining experience (3-, 4-, 5-axis mills and mill-turn lathes).
  • Precision measurement and inspection skills using CMM, micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges and surface finish equipment.
  • Experience with inspection software (PC-DMIS, Metrolog X4) and basic CMM programming.
  • Tooling selection and tool life management, including carbide insert selection, tool edge prep and coating considerations.
  • Fixture and workholding design fundamentals; ability to build or specify custom fixtures.
  • SPC and process control fundamentals, ability to read control charts and implement corrective actions.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems for job planning, time reporting and inventory (e.g., SAP, Epicor, JobBOSS).
  • Basic mechanical maintenance knowledge and ability to perform preventative maintenance tasks.
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, 5S and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Familiarity with safety and compliance standards such as lockout/tagout, OSHA and ISO/AS9100.

Soft Skills

  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset with attention to detail.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for documenting setups and coordinating with cross-functional teams.
  • Time management and ability to prioritize jobs in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Team-oriented approach with the ability to mentor and train junior staff.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities and new equipment or technologies.
  • Commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement.
  • Analytical thinking to interpret measurement data and identify process trends.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with vocational coursework in machining or technical subjects.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or certificate in CNC Machining, Manufacturing Technology, Tool & Die, or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
  • Journeyman certification or completion of a recognized apprenticeship program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • CNC Machining / Precision Machining
  • Manufacturing Technology / Manufacturing Engineering
  • Tool & Die / Industrial Maintenance
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of hands-on CNC machining experience (setup, programming, inspection).

Preferred:

  • 3–5+ years on multi-axis mills and/or turning centers with demonstrated CAM programming experience.
  • Prior experience with quality systems (ISO/AS9100), CMM inspection, and participation in process improvement projects.
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