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 help ensure first-time quality. As a machining expert on the shop floor, the operator protects customer materials, maintains high quality standards, promotes safe work practices, and supports production team goals. The position involves checking machine setups, tooling, workholding, fixturing, and CNC programs; monitoring operations and adjusting offsets; inspecting parts with precision measuring equipment; maintaining equipment; and completing production and quality documentation. The operator also mentors teammates and collaborates with CAD, Quality, and Operations on process improvements. This is a production and distribution position in a warehouse environment that may involve noise, dust, moving equipment, and varying temperatures. Physical duties include routine lifting of up to 50 pounds, extended standing, walking on concrete and uneven surfaces, and frequent bending, squatting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting. Candidates receiving a conditional offer must complete a criminal background check, pass a drug screen, and complete a physical assessment with a company-designated physician at no cost to the candidate.

Requirements

Five or more years of advanced CNC machining experience, preferably operating large-format machining centers.
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 lift up to 50 pounds independently on a routine basis and handle materials safely.
Ability to stand for extended periods and move safely through the work area, including walking on concrete floors and uneven surfaces.
Ability to perform frequent squatting, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting, with the mobility, balance, and strength needed to work safely.
Manual agility to operate tools safely and effectively, with regular use of arms, shoulders, and back for lifting, reaching, and positioning tasks.
Ability to work safely in a warehouse environment with exposure to noise, dust, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
Adequate visual and auditory acuity to identify hazards, read or record measurements, inspect materials, and promptly respond to verbal instructions, alarms, or hand signals.
Required participation in the pre-employment screening process, including a criminal background check, drug screening, and physical assessment; candidates must pass the drug screen and meet screening criteria.

Nice To Haves

Technical machining certification, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience.
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 that meet customer specifications.
Verify machine setup, tooling, workholding, fixturing, and CNC programs before production; troubleshoot machining or programming issues 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 maintain 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 required production and quality documentation accurately and immediately communicate quality concerns.
Promote safe work practices and ensure the 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.