Job Description

Department: Manufacturing / Machining
Reports To: Production Supervisor / Plant Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Horizontal Mill Machinist is responsible for setting up and operating CNC horizontal machining centers to produce complex, precision-machined components in accordance with engineering drawings, customer specifications, and quality requirements.

This position requires strong machining fundamentals, independent setup capabilities, and the ability to consistently produce high-quality components within tight tolerances. The ideal candidate is mechanically skilled, quality-focused, and comfortable working in a high-mix precision manufacturing environment supporting aerospace, medical, and other highly engineered applications.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC horizontal machining centers to manufacture precision components.

• Perform independent machine setups, including tooling, fixtures, workholding, offsets, and part alignment.

• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T, and work instructions.

• Load, verify, and make appropriate adjustments to CNC programs.

• Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters.

• Establish work offsets and verify part location using indicators, probes, and precision measuring equipment.

• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, indicators, and other inspection equipment.

• Maintain required dimensional and geometric tolerances throughout production.

• Monitor tool wear and make necessary offsets, adjustments, or tool changes.

• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, setup, and dimensional issues.

• Identify opportunities to improve cycle time, tooling performance, quality, and overall machining efficiency.

• Complete required production, inspection, and traceability documentation accurately.

• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Quality, Programming, and Production to resolve manufacturing issues.

• Perform routine machine maintenance and promptly communicate equipment concerns.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S standards.

• Follow all Company safety procedures and quality requirements.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Technical degree, machining certificate, or apprenticeship preferred.

Experience

• 3–5+ years of CNC machining experience preferred.

• Previous CNC horizontal machining center experience strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to independently set up CNC machining equipment.

• Experience machining complex, tight-tolerance components preferred.

• Aerospace, medical device, defense, or other precision manufacturing experience is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of CNC machining practices.

• Ability to independently set up and operate horizontal machining centers.

• Strong blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation skills.

• Working knowledge of GD&T.

• Knowledge of cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters.

• Proficiency with precision measuring and inspection equipment.

• Understanding of fixturing, workholding, and part alignment.

• Ability to perform shop math, including decimals, fractions, geometry, and basic trigonometry.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

• Ability to maintain tight tolerances and identify potential quality issues.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with other departments.

• Strong attention to detail, quality, and safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Fanuc, Siemens, or similar CNC controls.

• Experience with palletized horizontal machining centers.

• Experience with probing and automated tool measurement systems.

• Ability to perform basic CNC program edits and troubleshoot programs at the machine.

• Experience machining stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, alloy steels, and other engineered materials.

• Experience manufacturing components for aerospace and/or medical customers.

• Familiarity with regulated quality systems and customer-specific documentation requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Frequently bend, reach, stoop, and perform repetitive movements.

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to safely work around CNC machinery, cutting tools, coolant, material-handling equipment, and other manufacturing equipment.

• Ability to wear required PPE.

Work Environment

This position operates in a precision manufacturing environment and routinely works around CNC machinery, cutting tools, metal chips, coolant, forklifts, and other industrial equipment. Employees are expected to maintain a strong commitment to safety, quality, productivity, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Core Competencies

Safety | Quality | Technical Expertise | Accountability | Problem Solving | Teamwork | Attention to Detail | Continuous Improvement