Machine Operator

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Trade school certification, machining program, or apprenticeship training preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, shop travelers, and work instructions.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on experience operating manual surface grinders, Blanchard grinders, and/or milling machines required.
• Previous Lead, Trainer, Shift Lead, or Supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience working with tight tolerances (0.001 or better).
• Proficiency using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and related inspection tools.
• Strong understanding of machining principles, grinding wheel selection, feeds and speeds, and material properties including steel, tool steel, and aluminum.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven ability to train, coach, and develop machine operators.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to prioritize work, assign jobs, and hold team members accountable.
• Knowledge of surface finish requirements, flatness specifications, and quality standards.
• Ability to troubleshoot machining issues and improve production efficiency.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience leading a shift with limited direct supervision.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials, tools, and equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and strong hand-eye coordination required.
• Ability to safely climb ladders and work at elevated heights when necessary.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and manufacturing environments as required.

Job Duties

• Lead 2nd Shift machining operations while ensuring production, quality, and safety standards are met.
• Train, mentor, and support machine operators on proper setup, operation, inspection, and safety procedures.
• Assign and prioritize work based on production schedules, due dates, and machine availability.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for 2nd Shift operations and coordinate shift handoffs with management and 1st Shift leadership.
• Hold team members accountable to company policies, quality expectations, and production goals.
• Immediately communicate nonconforming, undersized, oversized, or quality-related findings to Inspection and Management.
• Operate manual surface grinders, Blanchard grinders, and milling machines to machine and finish metal components to specification.
• Set up machinery, select tooling, and adjust feeds, speeds, and grinding parameters as required.
• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments to verify dimensional accuracy and quality.
• Complete production and quality documentation, including Shop Traveler records.
• Perform routine machine maintenance, identify equipment issues, and communicate repair needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machine shop environment while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

The base pay range listed reflects what we reasonably expect to offer for this role. Actual pay may vary based on location, experience, and performance. Depending on the position, benefits may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement and savings plans; paid holidays and time off; supplemental insurance; and additional wellness or incentive programs.