Entry Level CNC Operator

Title: Machine / CNC Entry Level Operator
Location: Saugerties, NY
Schedule:  Monday – Friday, 7am – 3:30pm
Pay:  $20 - $21 per hour (based on experience)
Job Type:  Full time, Temp to Perm
 
Job Summary
An entry-level CNC Machine Operator is responsible for the daily operation of pre-programmed manufacturing machinery. This role focuses on loading materials, starting production cycles, and ensuring parts meet quality standards. It is an ideal starting point for individuals with strong mechanical aptitude who want to build a career in precision manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine Operation: Loading and securing raw materials into CNC machines (mills or lathes) and initiating pre-set programs.
• Quality Control: Inspecting finished parts using precision tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges to ensure they meet blueprint specifications.
• Production Monitoring: Observing machine cycles to detect malfunctions or unusual noises and reporting issues to a supervisor or lead machinist.
• Part Finishing: Performing basic secondary operations such as deburring, edge breaking, and cleaning finished components.
• Routine Maintenance: Maintaining appropriate coolant and lubrication levels and removing metal chips from the workspace.
• Documentation: Recording production numbers and quality inspection results in daily logs or digital systems.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Mechanical Aptitude: Comfort working with hand tools and a basic understanding of how machinery functions.
• Mathematical Skills: Basic proficiency in shop math, including decimals, fractions.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining a clean work area (5S standards).
• Physical Demands: Ability to stand for 8–10 hours per day and lift/move materials weighing up to 35–50 lbs.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Willingness to wear required safety gear, including steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and ear protection.
• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience: No prior experience is often required as many companies provide on-the-job training.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Primarily factory-based; can be noisy and may involve exposure to hazardous materials requiring personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Often structured in shifts (1st, 2nd, or 3rd), with typical 40-hour weeks; overtime may be required during peak production.