Your day on the mill
You begin with a blueprint on the bench and a ProtoTRAK SMX milling machine warming up. You verify the specified material, plan your setup, and choose the right tooling and workholding to match the tolerances and finish called out on the print. With the plan set, you install fixtures, load raw stock, and program or edit the ProtoTRAK conversational program to run the required sequence—milling, drilling, boring, and tapping—dialing in speeds, feeds, and depths for the material at hand.
As the first part runs, you monitor the machine and make real-time adjustments to keep dimensions on target and cycle times efficient. Between passes, you inspect with calipers, micrometers, indicators, and height gauges, documenting results and confirming surface finish. If you see tool wear, chatter, or a setup challenge, you troubleshoot quickly—swapping tools, refining parameters, or rethinking the workholding approach.
Throughout the shift, you coordinate with Engineering and Machine Builders on tooling and equipment builds, flagging issues, clarifying specs, and sharing improvement ideas. You keep the machine clean and lubricated, follow OSHA-aligned safety practices, and maintain an organized workstation so the next setup goes just as smoothly as the last.
What you'll handle
- Set up and operate ProtoTRAK SMX milling machines, installing fixtures, tooling, and workholding devices.
- Program/edit ProtoTRAK conversational programs to complete required machining operations.
- Load raw materials and secure parts correctly for safe, accurate machining.
- Execute milling, drilling, boring, tapping, and related operations.
- Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications to define methods, sequences, and tolerances.
- Plan setups, select tooling, and determine optimal speeds, feeds, and depths of cut.
- Verify materials against job requirements prior to machining.
- Inspect parts with precision instruments (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators) and document results.
- Ensure parts meet dimensional tolerances, surface finish, and quality standards.
- Monitor machine performance; adjust parameters to maintain quality and efficiency.
- Troubleshoot tool wear, chatter, or setup issues; implement corrective actions.
- Recommend process improvements to cut cycle time, reduce scrap, and boost throughput.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance—cleaning, lubrication, and basic upkeep.
- Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow company safety protocols and OSHA guidelines.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Machine Builders, vendors, and customers for technical clarification and project support.
What you bring
- 5+ years of experience as a Machinist in manufacturing or tool & die environments.
- Hands-on proficiency with ProtoTRAK SMX or similar conversational CNC/manual milling systems.
- Background supporting automation equipment, tooling, or fixture builds (strongly preferred).
- Trade certification or formal machining training is a plus.
Technical strengths
- Deep knowledge of milling machine setup and operation.
- Fluent in blueprint reading and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
- Solid understanding of cutting tools and tool selection, speeds/feeds optimization, and material properties/machining behavior.