CNC Operator

Our Next Energy (ONE) • Farmington Hills, MI

37d • Onsite

About The Position

This role involves operating and monitoring laser cutting machines to perform precise cutting, engraving, or etching of materials. The CNC Operator will be responsible for reading blueprints, verifying material specifications, adjusting machine settings for optimal quality and minimal waste, and performing in-process quality checks. Additionally, the position supports fabrication and lab activities, including running tests and maintaining shop cleanliness. The role also requires adherence to safety protocols, maintaining production records, and performing basic machine maintenance. Collaboration with engineering and quality teams for process improvements is expected.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• 1–3+ years of experience operating laser cutting equipment (fiber, CO2, or similar) in a manufacturing setting
• Ability to read technical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to use precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, etc.)
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Willingness to work assigned shifts, including potential nights/weekends based on production needs
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S standards
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, typically throughout an 8–12-hour shift.
• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to handle, position, manipulate, and inspect parts, tools, gauges, controls, and equipment.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift, move, or position up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation or mechanical assistance.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive motions associated with machine operation and material handling.
• Ability to safely load and unload raw materials, workpieces, tooling, and finished components.
• Sufficient visual acuity, including near vision and depth perception, to read blueprints, machine displays, measurement devices, and inspection results and to identify defects or dimensional variations.
• Ability to distinguish details and perform precision measurements using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Ability to work safely around moving machinery and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, gloves when appropriate, and other task-specific PPE.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Technical/vocational certification in machining or manufacturing preferred
• Experience with CNC or CAD/CAM software a plus
• Background in battery, automotive, aerospace, or precision sheet metal manufacturing
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor laser cutting machines to cut, engrave, or etch materials to precise specifications
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work orders to determine cutting parameters
• Load and unload raw materials; verify material specifications before processing
• Adjust machine settings (power, speed, focus) to optimize cut quality and minimize material waste
• Perform in-process quality checks using calipers, micrometers, and other measurement tools
• Identify and troubleshoot machine malfunctions or quality defects; perform basic maintenance and calibration
• Maintain accurate production records, including output counts, scrap rates, and downtime
• Follow all safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and laser safety procedures
• Provide support in fabrication, support, assembly
• Run testing as required
• Maintain cleanliness of the shop
• Other duties and tasks as assigned
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to support process improvements

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED