CNC CAM Machinist

Thread Craft•Sterling Heights, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Thread-Craft is seeking an experienced CNC CAM Machinist with strong Mastercam and mill-turn experience to join their growing CNC team. This role is a hands-on position that will initially focus on programming, setting up, and operating Fadal CNC mills to improve throughput. It will also involve supporting Mastercam programming, troubleshooting, and process development on DNX 2100 and SMX 3100 mill-turn machines. As the machinist becomes established, responsibilities will expand across the CNC department, including Mazak INTEGREX J-200, Mazak QUICK TURN, vertical machining centers, Fadal mills, and future equipment. The role involves collaboration with machinists, programmers, engineering, and production to enhance productivity, reduce programming time, and develop consistent, reusable machining strategies using Mastercam, including parametric programming, templates, and standardized tooling. The company is willing to teach its products and specialized processes, but seeks candidates with strong machining fundamentals, real-world Mastercam experience, mill-turn knowledge, and a drive for continuous improvement.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Minimum 5 years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong hands-on experience programming CNC machines using Mastercam.
Previous mill-turn programming and machining experience.
Strong CNC milling background, including setup, programming, and prove-out.
Working knowledge of CNC turning and multi-axis machining.
Strong understanding of cutting tools, workholding, feeds, speeds, toolpaths, offsets, and machining fundamentals.
Ability to develop a machining process from a print or model through successful production.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, GD&T, and technical documentation.
Experience making CNC program edits and troubleshooting programs at the machine.
Proficiency using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and gauges.
Strong mechanical aptitude and machining troubleshooting skills.
Ability to work independently when needed while operating as part of a collaborative team.
Willingness to share knowledge, ask questions, and learn from other experienced team members.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
Flexibility to work overtime or adjusted schedules when business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Mastercam Mill
Mastercam Mill-Turn
Parametric or template-based CAM programming
Multi-axis CNC machining
Live tooling
Sub-spindle machining
Y-axis turning and milling
Mazak INTEGREX equipment
Mazak QUICK TURN equipment
DN Solutions / Doosan mill-turn equipment
DNX 2100
SMX 3100
Mazak vertical machining centers
Fadal CNC mills
G-code programming and editing
CNC post processors
Fixture and workholding development
Tooling selection and optimization
Process development and prove-out
Automation or advanced manufacturing technology
Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement
Manufacturing ERP systems

Responsibilities

Program, set up, and operate CNC equipment, with initial daily production responsibility focused primarily on Fadal vertical machining centers.
Work hands-on with the CNC team from day one to improve Mastercam programming and machining processes across the department.
Support programming, troubleshooting, prove-out, and process development on DNX 2100 and SMX 3100 mill-turn machines.
Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs using Mastercam.
Help expand the use of Mastercam directly on the shop floor.
Develop machining processes from engineering drawings, models, and technical requirements.
Select appropriate tooling, workholding, machining strategies, feeds, speeds, and operation sequences.
Set up and safely prove out new and revised CNC programs.
Troubleshoot programming, tooling, workholding, setup, and machining issues.
Inspect components using precision measuring equipment and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality.
Work directly with machinists, engineering, quality, and production leadership to solve manufacturing problems.
Help develop reusable Mastercam templates, tool libraries, standardized strategies, and parametric programming methods that reduce programming time and improve consistency.
Identify opportunities to improve cycle time, setup time, tool life, machine utilization, quality, and overall productivity.
Help standardize successful machining methods so improvements can be shared across the department instead of remaining with one individual.
Share machining and programming knowledge with other team members while actively learning from their experience as well.
Support programming and process development across the DNX 2100, SMX 3100, Mazak INTEGREX J-200, Mazak QUICK TURN, Mazak VMCs, Fadals, and future CNC equipment.
Support the evaluation and implementation of new CNC equipment, tooling, software, automation, and manufacturing technology as the department grows.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned to support manufacturing operations.