Job Description
Title: CNC Machinist – Manual Lathe & Milling Machines
Location: Orangeburg, SC
Hire Type: Contract to Hire
Shift: 1st Shift | 6:00am till 4:30pm | Monday through Friday
Compensation: $30.00 - $31.50/hr
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.
Overview: We are seeking an experienced CNC Machinist and CAD/CAM Programmer to support manufacturing operations through the programming, setup, and operation of CNC mills, as well as manual lathes and toolmaking equipment. This position is located in Orangeburg, SC, where lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment are manufactured. The ideal candidate will have strong experience offline programming CNC mills using CAD/CAM software, the ability to build and modify machine tools and fixtures, and a solid understanding of precision machining processes in a manufacturing environment.
Job Duties:
- Program CNC mills using CAD/CAM software to fabricate precision parts, custom tooling, jigs, and fixtures
- Set up and operate CNC mills, manual lathes, grinders, and other machining equipment to produce high-precision components
- Interpret CAD models, blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches, and specifications to generate accurate toolpaths and final parts
- Design, program, and build custom tooling and fixtures to support production requirements and specialized manufacturing projects
- Perform G-code/M-code verification, machine setups, tooling changes, and feeds/speeds adjustments to optimize machining operations
- Measure and inspect finished components using precision measuring instruments to ensure strict conformance to specs
- Troubleshoot CNC programming, machine execution, and tooling issues to improve productivity, cycle times, and part quality
- Repair and maintain worn or damaged tooling, fixtures, and production equipment components
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams on fixture design, CAD updates, and process improvements
- Maintain equipment and work areas in accordance with safety and housekeeping standards
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, scrap reduction, and cost efficiency
- Document completed programs, tooling updates, setup sheets, and machining processes as required
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED required; technical degree or certification in CNC Machining/CAD-CAM Programming preferred
- 3+ years of experience programming, setting up, and operating CNC mills required
- Hands-on proficiency using CAD/CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidWorks CAM) for 3D modeling and multi-axis CNC toolpath generation required
- Solid background operating manual lathes, manual milling machines, and building custom tooling or fixtures
- Proven ability to read and interpret 3D CAD models, blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications
- Strong working knowledge of G-code, M-code, machining principles, tooling selection, feeds, speeds, and material properties
- Proficiency with precision measuring equipment including calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, and height gauges
- Strong mechanical aptitude, logical troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple programming and machining projects in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
- Strong communication and teamwork skills to coordinate effectively with engineering teams
- Knowledge of safe machining practices and shop safety procedures
- Ability to lift materials, stand for extended periods, and work in an industrial environment
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Orangeburg, SC |
| Industry | Staffing/Employment Agencies |
| Salary | $30–$31.50 Per Hour |
| Company Size | 500 to 999 employees |
| Year Founded | 1969 |
| Website | http://www.sterling-engineering.com |
About Company
Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:
- Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.
- Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.
Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.
Skills
- 3D Modelingunmatched
- Blueprintsunmatched
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Softwareunmatched
- CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing)unmatched
- CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systemsunmatched
- Communication Skillsunmatched
- Computer Programmingunmatched
- Consultingunmatched
- Continuous Improvementunmatched
- Cost Controlunmatched
- Detail Orientedunmatched
- Engineering Drawingunmatched
- Equipment Maintenance/Repairunmatched
- Establish Prioritiesunmatched
- High School Diplomaunmatched
- Housekeeping/Cleaningunmatched
- Identify Issuesunmatched
- Latheunmatched
- Machine Toolunmatched
- Machiningunmatched
- Machining Operationsunmatched
- Manufacturing Operationsunmatched
- Manufacturing Requirementsunmatched
- Milling Machineunmatched
- Operational Supportunmatched
- Organizational Skillsunmatched
- Problem Solving Skillsunmatched
- Process Improvementunmatched
- Process Manufacturingunmatched
- Process Sheetunmatched
- Production Supportunmatched
- Productivity Managementunmatched
- Quality Assuranceunmatched
- Safety Processunmatched
- Safety Standardsunmatched
- Software Administrationunmatched
- SolidWorksunmatched
- Team Playerunmatched
- Technical Drawingunmatched
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