Precision CNC Milling Specialist (VMC)

Precision CNC Milling Specialist (VMC) A day in the life

Your shift begins at the mill. You power up a 3–4 axis VMC, load a new job, and walk through the plan: study blueprints and sketches, confirm tolerances, and decide the sequence of operations. You select and align fixtures, set up cutting tools and accessories, and run a quick trial to verify settings. With micrometers and height gauges at hand, you confirm every dimension before releasing the batch.

As the parts run, you watch for anomalies—surface finish, sound, chip load—adjusting speed, feed, coolant, depth, and angle of cut as needed. If something drifts out of tolerance, you pause, troubleshoot, and dial it back in. Between jobs, you perform preventive maintenance, follow manufacturer instructions, and call for repairs when necessary. When a unique part comes in, you may sketch a concept from a general description and discuss options with engineers and production to resolve machining or assembly questions. Safety standards guide every move you make.

What you’ll own (Scope of Position)

Set up, operate, and adjust machining equipment to produce precise metallic components per blueprints and specifications. Ensure product quality through accurate measurement, effective troubleshooting, and close collaboration with engineering and production teams. Maintain safe operations and complete routine equipment maintenance to support continuous production.

Core responsibilities

• Set up and operate conventional and special-purpose machines to fabricate metallic parts.
• Apply machine shop theory, shop mathematics, material machinability knowledge, and layout techniques.
• Interpret blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals, specifications, or sample parts to define dimensions, tolerances, operation sequence, and setup needs.
• Measure, mark, and scribe reference points on material/workpieces to guide subsequent machining.
• Select, align, and secure fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials for saws, mills, grinding, burning, and drilling equipment.
• Calculate and set controls for speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth/angle of cut.
• Start and monitor machine operations; identify malfunctions or out-of-tolerance conditions and adjust controls accordingly.
• Run trial setups to validate machine settings and verify accuracy.
• Verify dimensions with micrometers, height gauges, and gauge blocks.
• Develop specifications from general descriptions and produce sketches for parts/products as needed.
• Collaborate with engineers and production personnel to resolve machining or assembly issues.
• Adhere to safety procedures and regulations to maintain safe operations.
• Complete preventive maintenance; follow manufacturer instructions; troubleshoot malfunctions; call for repairs.

Team structure

Personnel supervised — Direct: None

Personnel supervised — Indirect: None

Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent

Experience & skills:

• 5+ years in manufacturing.
• Ability to edit programs for CNC equipment.
• Follow clear written and verbal instructions.
• Proficient in blueprint reading for machining diameters (ID & OD), surfaces, and simple shapes.
• Machine to specified tolerances; use micrometers and depth micrometers for measurement.
• Routinely lift 50 lbs or more.
• Work in narrow spaces; climb, balance, stoop, and kneel.
• Experience with stainless and tool steel alloys preferred.

Work environment

• Occasional standing, sitting, walking, reaching with hands/arms; climbing/balancing; stooping/kneeling; talking/hearing; and using fingers/hands to handle objects, tools, and equipment.
• Close and distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus are required.
• Overtime may be necessary based on workload (weekdays and weekends).
• Job duties will generally be performed in an office environment but may require visits to the production site.

Technical proficiency

• GD&T
• CNC Tooling
• Troubleshooting Skills
• G-Code
• M-Code
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
• Advanced Inspection & Gauge Measurement
• Machine Setups for Production Runs

Machines & technologies you’ll use

• CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC) (Fanuc, Haas)