Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Falcon Machine Operator

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for precision and craftsmanship? We are actively searching for a dedicated Falcon Machine Operator to join our dynamic manufacturing team. In this pivotal role, you will be the expert behind the controls, transforming raw materials into high-quality, finished components according to exacting specifications. You'll be responsible for the entire lifecycle of a production run, from initial setup and calibration to in-process quality checks and final inspection. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in producing flawless work, we want to hear from you. This is more than a job; it's an opportunity to be a key player in a state-of-the-art production facility.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Machine Operator Trainee
Production Assistant
Manufacturing Associate

Advancement To:

Senior Machine Operator / CNC Lead
CNC Programmer
Production Supervisor / Team Lead

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector
Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate Falcon CNC machinery through all phases of production, from loading raw materials to running a complete cycle, ensuring adherence to production schedules.
Perform complex and precise machine setups, including the installation, alignment, and securing of tooling, fixtures, chucks, and attachments to prepare the machine for specific job orders.
Interpret and work from detailed engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) specifications to produce parts to exact requirements.
Conduct first-piece, in-process, and final quality inspections using a variety of precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and bore gauges to verify conformance.
Make precise adjustments to machine controls, offsets, speeds, and feeds to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface finish quality throughout the production run.
Monitor machine operation vigilantly, listening for unusual noises and observing for malfunctions, and take immediate corrective action to prevent damage or defects.
Select and install appropriate cutting tools, inserts, and drills based on the material being machined and the requirements of the job.
Load, edit, and optimize CNC programs at the machine's control panel organizações to improve efficiency and part quality.
Troubleshoot machining problems, including tool wear, part defects, and machine alarms, and collaborate with engineering or maintenance to resolve complex issues.
Deburr, file, and sand parts as they come off the machine to meet surface finish requirements and prepare them for the next stage of production.
Maintain a high level of productivity and efficiency while consistently meeting or exceeding established quality standards.
Systematically document all setup information, tool-lists, and operational data for each job to ensure repeatability and knowledge transfer.
Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper machine guarding, to maintain a safe work environment.
Perform daily and weekly preventative maintenance tasks, such as lubricating moving parts, cleaning the machine, and checking fluid levels.
Manage and organize tooling and raw material inventory एट the work station to ensure smooth and continuous operation.
Calculate and set machine controls to position tools, regulate cutting factors, and shape workpieces to the specified dimensions.
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Recognize and report any tooling or equipment that is worn, damaged, or out of tolerance to the shift supervisor for replacement or repair.
Work closely with the quality assurance department to understand non-conformance reports and implement corrective actions in the machining process.
Read and understand shop orders and work instructions to determine job specifications, material needs, and tooling requirements.
Continuously monitor the cutting process and adjust parameters to optimize tool life and reduce cycle times without compromising quality.
Ensure that all completed parts are properly labeled, organized, and moved to the next production area or-ga-ni-za-tion's inventory.
Participate in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement events, offering suggestions to enhance processes, reduce waste, and increase safety.

Secondary Functions

Perform routine and preventative maintenance on Falcon machinery, such as cleaning, lubricating, and replacing coolants, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Maintain accurate and detailed production logs, including machine uptime, part counts, scrap rates, and any non-conformances.
Collaborate with engineering and quality assurance teams to troubleshoot production issues and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Assist in the training and mentoring of junior operators and new team members on machine operation and safety protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven proficiency in setting up and operating CNC machinery, specifically Falcon or similar multi-axis lathes and mills.
Advanced ability to read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and GD&T symbols.
Expertise in using a wide range of precision measuring instruments, including digital calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and height indicators.
Strong working knowledge of G-code and M-code, with the ability to perform minor program edits at the machine control.
Deep understanding of tooling, fixtures, and optimal cutting speeds and feeds for various materials like steel, aluminum, and exotic alloys.
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Skill in performing machine-side program and tool offsets to maintain tight tolerances.
Familiarity with Fanuc, Haas, or similar CNC control systems.
Basic mechanical aptitude for performing routine machine maintenance and troubleshooting.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations, including trigonometry,geometry, and basic algebra, as they relate to machining.
Knowledge of material properties and their machinability characteristics.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, zero-defect work.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to diagnose and resolve machining issues.
Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with team members and supervisors.
Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet production deadlines.
A proactive and safety-conscious mindset, with a strong adherence to workplace safety rules.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree from a vocational school or technical college in Machine Tool Technology, CNC Machining, or a related field.
NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) or similar machining certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Machine Tool Technology
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of hands-on experience as a CNC Machine Operator in a precision manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

Direct experience operating Falcon brand machinery is highly desirable.
Experience with 5-axis machining, live tooling, and lean manufacturing principles is a significant plus.
Previous work in a high-volume production or job shop environment is preferred.