Machinist

Position Title: Machinist

Department: Machining

Last Revised: 8/2026

Reports To: Machining Manager

Position Purpose

The Machinist is responsible for safely and efficiently producing quality parts using a variety of machining and manufacturing equipment. Equipment may include CNC mills, CNC lathes, manual mills, manual lathes, grinding equipment, conversational machines, and 3D printers.

Machinists set up, operate, adjust, and monitor assigned equipment based on their training and demonstrated proficiency. They are responsible for interpreting prints and job requirements, determining appropriate machining methods, selecting tooling, making necessary machine or program adjustments, inspecting completed work, documenting results, and maintaining equipment in proper operating condition.

Machinists may also fabricate, fit, modify, and repair fixtures, tooling, experimental parts, and other components required to support Manufacturing and Engineering. Employees are expected to continue developing their machining skills and cross-train on additional equipment as business needs and training opportunities allow.

Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate assigned CNC and manual machining equipment based on training and demonstrated proficiency. Equipment may include Manual Mills, Manual Lathes, CNC mills, CNC lathes, Grinding Equipment, Conversational Machining Equipment, and 3D Printer.
• Create or modify CNC programs when required based on demonstrated proficiency and job requirements.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, layouts, job orders, and other engineering information.
• Interpret dimensions, tolerances, surface-finish requirements, and applicable Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Select appropriate cutting tools, workholding, speeds, feeds, depths of cut, and other machining parameters using specifications, material properties, shop mathematics, and machining experience.
• Position, secure, and align work pieces, fixtures, cutting tools, and tooling using appropriate hand tools, fasteners, hoists, and measuring equipment.
• Adjust machine controls, offsets, tooling, and machining parameters to maintain dimensions and product characteristics within specified tolerances.
• Inspect work pieces to verify conformance with specifications using equipment such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, dial indicators, height gauges, and other appropriate inspection equipment.
• Complete required production, inspection, job, and quality documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Make corrections and adjustments within the employee's level of training and authority and work with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, or other appropriate personnel when additional support is required.
• Replace worn or damaged tooling and sharpen cutting tools when appropriate using bench grinders, cutter grinders, or other available equipment.
• Design, fabricate, modify, and repair fixtures, tooling, and experimental or low-volume parts as required to support Manufacturing and Engineering needs.
• Perform bench work as necessary, including grinding, deburring, polishing, filing, hand fitting, and other finishing operations.
• Follow routine machine maintenance requirements and maintain equipment in proper operational condition.
• Follow established workplace organization and 5S practices.
• Crosstrain on additional machining and manufacturing equipment as business needs and training opportunities allow.
• Strictly adhere to all company safety procedures, policies, and regulations.

Education and Experience

• Machining certificate, successful completion of a machining or toolmaker apprenticeship program, two or more years of machining experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and hands-on experience.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, dimensions, tolerances, surface finishes, and applicable GD&T.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience working with industrial equipment, machine tools, and hand tools.
• Working knowledge of shop mathematics, including fractions, decimals, geometry, algebra, and trigonometry as required for machining operations.
• Less experience will be considered for apprenticeship, developmental, or entry-level Machinist positions.

Classification

• Non-exempt

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand, bend, climb, squat, and lift for 10-12 hours per day.
• Able to stand, squat, bend over, and pick up 20 lbs. repeatedly and up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Able to manually operate small hand tools and larger power tools.
• Able to accurately see fine details in prints, on computers, on inspection equipment, or in machines, unaided or with corrective lenses, magnification, or other appropriate visual aids.

Tools and Technology

• Computer for accessing prints, work schedule, inspection sheets, setup guides
• Email for communication
• Company provided micrometers, calipers, basic hand tools and machinist tools