Senior CNC Operator

Job Description

Senior CNC Operator

Pay Rate: $23.00–$32.00 per hour

Reports To: Shift Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; Hourly

Schedule: Monday through Friday

1st Shift: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm

2nd Shift: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm

3rd Shift: 11:00 pm – 7:00 am

Shift Premiums

1st Shift: NA

2nd Shift: $2.25/hour

3rd Shift: $1.25/hour

Position Overview

The Senior CNC Machine Operator is an experienced manufacturing professional responsible for the operation, monitoring, and control of CNC mills and/or lathes to produce high-quality precision components. This role focuses on maintaining process stability, ensuring part conformance, and supporting production efficiency while adhering to all quality and safety standards.

This position does not perform machine setups but requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and ownership of production results.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Operation & Production Performance

Operate CNC mills and/or lathes in accordance with established standard operating procedures, work instructions, and engineering requirements.

Load and unload raw material and finished components safely and efficiently.

Monitor machining cycles to ensure consistent quality, proper tool performance, and adherence to production targets.

Perform part changes, material replenishment, and basic machine interactions necessary to sustain production flow.

Quality Assurance & Process Monitoring

Inspect parts during and after production using precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and related equipment.

Ensure all parts meet dimensional, visual, and functional quality requirements.

Identify trends, abnormalities, or defects and promptly notify supervision or support teams.

Make approved offsets or minor adjustments within defined parameters to maintain part conformance.

Accurately complete production, quality, scrap, and downtime documentation (PLEX experience preferred).

Safety & Workplace Discipline

Follow all safety rules, regulations, and procedures to maintain a safe working environment.

Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, at all times on the shop floor.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation in alignment with 5S and lean manufacturing practices.

Communication & Team Contribution

Communicate production status, quality concerns, and equipment issues clearly and effectively with supervisors, engineers, and teammates.

Ensure seamless shift handoffs by documenting work completed, issues encountered, and production priorities.

Support cross-training initiatives and assist peers as needed to maintain production continuity.

Ownership & Continuous Improvement

Take ownership of assigned machines and production output to meet safety, quality, and efficiency expectations.

Participate in continuous improvement activities and training initiatives.

Adapt to changing production demands, new part numbers, or evolving operational requirements.

Required Experience & Qualifications

3+ years of CNC machine operation experience on CNC mills and/or lathes in a production environment.

Proven ability to maintain consistent quality during sustained production runs.

Strong understanding of blueprint reading, basic GD&T, and precision measurement techniques.

Experience documenting production and quality data within a manufacturing system (PLEX preferred, not required).

Demonstrated reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and quality.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Physical Demands

Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting.

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.

Ability to lift 50 pounds or more as required by the job.

Work Environment

Manufacturing shop environment with exposure to dust, noise, coolants, oils, and temperature variations.

Uneven or slippery walking surfaces may be present.

Regular interaction with moving equipment, forklifts, sharp-edged parts, and industrial materials.

Occasional outdoor work and exposure to varying weather conditions.

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