Machine Operator I

Mueller Water Products•Cleveland, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Machine Operator I operates computer numerical control (CNC) lathe and mill machines while maintaining quality and safety standards, equipment, and supplies. This is a standing position involving physical work in an industrial plant environment. The role works with Operations, Planning, and Leadership to meet production key performance indicators and is performed on a designated shift, with flexibility to rotate shifts if needed. The operator reads blueprints and engineering plans, interprets geometric dimensions and tolerances (GD&T), sets up and feeds CNC machines, verifies machine settings and parts, and monitors machining operations. The role includes troubleshooting processes, replacing worn tools, performing preventive maintenance, documenting production and quality work, and communicating relevant actions and needs across shifts. The position requires working in a high-pressure production environment with loud noises, machinery, and cold or hot conditions. No travel is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 3 years of operating and setup experience on CNC equipment.
Experience in an industrial and/or manufacturing environment.
Basic knowledge of CNC programming and machining technology.
Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to quickly assess situations and make decisions to solve problems.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Adaptability to work in a changing environment.
Interpersonal skills.
Ability to lift and carry or otherwise move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand stationary for prolonged periods and walk around an industrial safety-sensitive environment on an ongoing daily basis.
Good manual dexterity to use a computer and multiple pieces of industrial equipment.
Ability to occasionally ascend or descend stairs.
Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with leadership and other departments.
Ability to hear and see while working daily on the plant floor in safety-sensitive areas.
Ability to work in a plant environment with loud noise, cold or hot conditions, and running machinery, and to function in a high-pressure production environment.

Nice To Haves

CNC Machining Certification.
Experience with CAD/CAM Nesting Software.
Experience with DMG Mori CNC machines and HAAS machines.

Responsibilities

Read blueprints, engineering plans, material specifications, and machining parameters, and interpret GD&T.
Set up mills and lathes by installing tools and attachments, collets, bushings, cams, gears, stops, and stock pushers, and indicating vices.
Load or feed the machine mechanism by lifting stock into position.
Verify settings by measuring positions, first-run parts, and sample work pieces.
Observe milling, drilling, grooving, cutting, turning, facing, knurling, and thread-cutting operations; take measurements and maintain specifications.
Detect malfunctions, troubleshoot processes, replace worn tools, and follow quality assurance procedures and processes.
Follow safety procedures and regulations.
Perform preventive maintenance according to manufacturer instructions.
Document and communicate actions, irregularities, and continuing needs across work shifts.
Complete production and quality logs.
Strive to improve processes and eliminate downtime.
Work with Operations, Planning, and Leadership to ensure production KPIs are met.
Perform duties on the designated shift and be flexible to rotate shifts if needed.