CNC Machinist II

The CNC Laser Machining Operator II sets up, operates, and maintains CNC laser cutting machines to produce precise parts and components according to engineering drawings and specifications. This role involves interpreting blueprints, programming CNC machines, adjusting settings for optimal performance, and performing quality checks on finished products. The operator ensures that machinery operates efficiently, adheres to safety standards, and meets production goals. Additionally, they may troubleshoot minor machine issues, perform routine maintenance, and work closely with other team members to meet production deadlines. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

  Machine Setup and Operation: 

• Setup: Prepare and set up CNC laser machines for operation, including loading materials, securing fixtures, and installing necessary tools or attachments. 

• Operation: Operate CNC laser machines to cut, engrave, or mark materials according to job specifications and engineering drawings. 

  Programming and Adjustments: 

• Programming: Input and modify CNC programs, including adjusting laser parameters such as speed, power, and focus to achieve desired results. 

• Adjustments: Make real-time adjustments to machine settings as needed to ensure accurate and efficient production. 

  Quality Control and Inspection: 

• Inspection: Conduct thorough inspections of finished parts to ensure they meet design specifications and quality standards using precision measurement tools. 

• Quality Assurance: Perform in-process checks and make necessary adjustments to maintain product quality throughout the production run. 

  Maintenance and Troubleshooting: 

• Routine Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance tasks, including cleaning, lubricating, and calibrating the laser machine to ensure optimal performance and longevity. 

• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve minor machine malfunctions, laser alignment issues, or programming errors to minimize downtime and production disruptions. 

  Safety and Compliance: 

• Safety Protocols: Follow all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 

• Compliance: Ensure that machine operation complies with relevant safety regulations, industry standards, and company policies. 

  Documentation and Record-Keeping: 

• Records: Maintain accurate records of machine settings, production runs, maintenance activities, and any issues encountered during operations. 

• Reporting: Document and report any deviations from standard procedures, quality issues, or machine malfunctions to supervisors or maintenance teams. 

  Material Handling: 

• Preparation: Prepare materials for processing, including loading and aligning sheets or parts in the machine. 

• Management: Handle and manage materials and tools used in the laser cutting process, ensuring proper storage and usage. 

  Process Optimization: 

• Efficiency: Continuously seek ways to optimize machine performance and production processes, including suggesting improvements or adjustments to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. 

• Innovation: Stay updated with the latest advancements in laser cutting technology and techniques to apply new methods or technologies that improve production outcomes. 

  Team Collaboration: 

• Communication: Collaborate with other team members, including engineers, quality control personnel, and supervisors, to coordinate tasks and resolve any production issues. 

• Support: Provide support and training to less experienced operators or new team members as needed. 

  Continuous Improvement: 

• Feedback: Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on processes and suggesting ways to enhance productivity, quality, and safety. 

• Learning: Engage in ongoing learning and professional development to stay current with industry trends and technological advancements. 

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in CNC machine operation.

Technical Skills: 

CNC Laser Machine Operation: 

• Proficiency in operating CNC laser machines, including understanding machine controls, settings, and various laser technologies. 

Programming and Setup: 

• Ability to input and modify CNC programs, including familiarity with G-code and M-code. 

• Skill in setting up the machine for different jobs, including loading materials and configuring laser parameters. 

Technical Drawing Interpretation: 

• Capability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics to ensure parts are produced to exact specifications. 

Material Knowledge: 

• Understanding of different materials (e.g., metals, plastics, wood) and their properties to select appropriate settings and achieve desired outcomes. 

Mechanical and Maintenance Skills: 

Routine Maintenance: 

• Ability to perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, lubricating, and calibrating the laser machine to ensure optimal performance. 

Troubleshooting: 

• Strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve minor machine malfunctions, alignment issues, and programming errors. 

Mechanical Aptitude: 

• Proficiency in handling tools and performing basic mechanical repairs or adjustments as needed. 

Quality Control and Attention to Detail: 

Inspection: 

• Ability to conduct thorough inspections of finished products using precision measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers) to ensure they meet specifications. 

Attention to Detail: 

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail to ensure precision in cutting, engraving, and marking operations. 

Safety and Compliance: 

Safety Protocols: 

• Knowledge of safety protocols and practices to maintain a safe working environment and prevent accidents. 

Regulatory Compliance: 

• Understanding of relevant safety regulations and industry standards to ensure compliance during machine operation. 

Communication and Teamwork: 

Effective Communication: 

• Ability to communicate clearly with team members, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate tasks and address issues. 

Team Collaboration: 

• Capability to work effectively as part of a team, including providing support and training to less experienced operators if needed. 

Process Improvement and Adaptability: 

Process Optimization: 

• Skills in identifying opportunities for process improvement and implementing changes to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. 

Adaptability: 

• Ability to adapt to changing production needs and priorities, including learning new techniques and technologies as required. 

Computer and Software Skills: 

CNC Software: 

• Familiarity with CNC programming software and machine control interfaces used for inputting and adjusting machine programs. 

Basic Computer Skills: 

• Competence in using basic computer applications for documentation, record-keeping, and communication. 

Additional Abilities: 

Physical Stamina: 

• Physical ability to handle the demands of the job, including standing for extended periods and handling heavy materials. 

Time Management: 

• Effective time management skills to prioritize tasks and manage production schedules efficiently. 

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $26.50-$28 per hour.  GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States. The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.  You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

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