CNC Machinist - Quick Mill Operator

North Shore Steel•Houston, TX

86d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quickmill Operator sets up, operates, troubleshoots, and optimizes a Quickmill CNC machining center to manufacture high-precision components from high-value materials. The role verifies program accuracy, identifies machining and programming issues, and works with the CAD Department to support first-time quality. As a machining expert on the shop floor, the operator protects customer materials, maintains quality standards, promotes workplace safety, and supports the production team. The position also involves interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T requirements, and customer specifications; conducting inspections with precision measuring equipment; completing production and quality documentation; and maintaining equipment in safe working condition. The operator mentors teammates and collaborates with CAD, Quality, and Operations to improve machining processes and meet department goals for safety, quality, productivity, continuous improvement, and on-time delivery. Work takes place in a warehouse environment with exposure to noise, dust, moving equipment, and varying temperatures. Physical requirements include routinely lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, walking on concrete and uneven surfaces, and frequently squatting, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting. The role requires adequate visual and auditory acuity to identify hazards, read or record measurements, inspect materials, and respond to instructions, alarms, and hand signals.

Requirements

Five or more years of advanced CNC machining experience.
Strong understanding of CNC machining principles, tooling, machine offsets, cutter compensation, feeds, speeds, and workholding techniques.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining processes and collaborate with the CAD Department to resolve programming and manufacturing challenges.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and customer specifications.
Proficiency with precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, and bore gauges.
Strong mechanical aptitude, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to routinely lift up to 50 pounds independently and handle materials safely.
Ability to stand for extended periods and move safely through the work area, including on concrete floors and uneven surfaces.
Ability to frequently squat, bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, and lift, with the mobility, balance, and strength needed to perform work safely.
Manual agility to operate tools safely and effectively.
Adequate visual and auditory acuity to identify hazards, read or record measurements, inspect materials, and respond to verbal instructions, alarms, or hand signals.
Commitment to safety, quality, continuous improvement, and leading by example.

Nice To Haves

Technical machining certification, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience.
Experience operating large-format machining centers.
Experience operating Quickmill or similar bridge/gantry CNC machines.
Experience machining high-value, tight-tolerance components for aerospace or similar industries.
Experience operating overhead cranes and forklifts.

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, and optimize the Quickmill CNC machining center to produce precision components to customer specifications.
Verify machine setup, tooling, workholding, fixturing, and CNC programs before production.
Troubleshoot machining and programming issues in partnership with the CAD Department.
Monitor machining operations, adjust machine offsets, and recommend improvements to quality, efficiency, and tooling performance.
Perform routine machine inspections and preventive maintenance, and keep equipment in safe working condition.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T requirements, and customer specifications.
Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment.
Machine high-value materials carefully to minimize scrap, protect customer assets, and ensure first-pass quality.
Complete production and quality documentation accurately and communicate quality concerns immediately.
Promote safe work practices and ensure safe operation of machining and material handling equipment.
Stop work and communicate concerns when safety, quality, or customer materials are at risk.
Mentor teammates and collaborate with CAD, Quality, and Operations to improve machining processes.
Support department goals for safety, quality, productivity, continuous improvement, and on-time delivery.
Perform other duties as assigned.