CNC Mill-Turn Operator

CNC Mill-Turn Operator PURPOSE: The CNC Mill-Turn Operator safely operates and monitors multi-tasking CNC equipment that combines turning and milling operations in a single machine or cycle. Equipment may include Mazak INTEGREX e-670 and other INTEGREX-style machines, and Doosan/DN Solutions twin-spindle, twin-turret turning centers.

The operator loads and verifies workpieces, runs approved programs, monitors cutting tools and coordinated machine movements, inspects precision parts, and maintains accurate production records. The position requires close attention to complex machine motion, quality, and safe workholding; programming and major setup changes remain with authorized personnel.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate assigned CNC mill-turn machines to perform turning, milling, drilling, boring, and related machining operations in accordance with approved programs, routers, and work instructions.
• Read and follow blueprints, operation drawings, setup sheets, and inspection plans; understand part orientation, critical dimensions, datum relationships, and applicable geometric tolerances before machining.
• Load and unload material and workpieces using approved chucks, jaws, fixtures, supports, and lifting devices. Confirm part seating, clamping, and safe clearance before starting a cycle.
• Monitor coordinated machine functions such as main/sub-spindle operation and part transfer, upper/lower turret activity, live tooling, and B-, C-, or Y-axis movement, as equipped. Recognize potential tool, turret, spindle, and workpiece interference.
• Verify proper workpiece location and secure gripping during automated spindle transfers or secondary operations when applicable; stop and notify supervision if alignment or clamping is in question.
• Check tool condition, insert wear, tool seating, and tooling identification. Replace approved inserts or tools and make authorized wear-offset adjustments within documented limits; refer major corrections to qualified personnel.
• Monitor cycle performance for alarms, abnormal sounds, vibration, chatter, poor surface finish, dimensional drift, coolant problems, chip buildup, and unexpected motion; stop and escalate concerns promptly.
• Complete first-piece, in-process, and final inspections as required, including inspections after tool changes or process interruptions, and document actual results on the specified forms.
• Use calibrated measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, indicators, and other approved gauges; request additional inspection support when required.
• Follow material identification, serialization, lot traceability, tagging, and nonconformance procedures. Keep accepted, held, and rejected parts properly identified and segregated.
• Record production quantities, scrap/rework, downtime, tool changes, and other required job data; follow established cycle-time expectations without sacrificing safety or quality.
• Perform routine operator-level machine checks, including coolant condition/level, lubrication indications, chip removal, and general housekeeping, according to the preventive maintenance checklist.
• Support authorized setup personnel during changeovers, tool verification, and process troubleshooting; do not independently alter programs, critical offsets, or machine settings without approval.
• Maintain a clean and orderly machine and surrounding work area. Follow safe chip-handling, guarding, lifting, and machine-access practices at all times.
• Communicate production status, quality concerns, unfinished work, and machine issues to the supervisor and incoming shift; perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent, or at least six months of relevant machine shop or manufacturing experience; willingness to develop additional machining skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn CNC multi-tasking equipment. CNC lathe, mill-turn, or multi-axis machining experience is preferred but not required for an entry-level operator.
• Ability to read shop drawings, routers, and basic machining dimensions; familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is a plus.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and consistently follow quality, inspection, and traceability requirements.
• Familiarity with MAZATROL and/or Doosan/FANUC-style CNC controls, tool offsets, live tooling, and multi-spindle operations is preferred.
• Ability to safely handle workpieces and use hoists or overhead cranes after required training/authorization.
• Possession of basic hand tools as required by the position; strong attention to detail, reliability, communication, and teamwork. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in an industrial machine shop around moving machinery, automated turrets and spindles, rotating workpieces, coolant, metal chips, airborne mist, vibration, and elevated noise levels. Work may involve heavy or irregularly shaped parts and frequent interaction with lifting equipment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position regularly requires standing, walking, reaching, bending, and using hands to operate controls and handle tools or parts. The employee must be able to inspect work at the machine and handle materials as required for the assigned job. Some workpieces exceed 50 pounds and require approved mechanical lifting equipment or team assistance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions. HEALTH AND SAFETY:
• Follow all company safety requirements and applicable occupational safety regulations, including machine guarding, safe lifting, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Never bypass interlocks or reach into an active machine envelope. Stop and report suspected collision risks, loose workholding, damaged tools, unsafe conditions, or missing protective equipment.
• Use only lifting devices and machine functions for which training and authorization have been provided; secure the machine before clearing chips or accessing cutting areas.
• Maintain a clean, unobstructed work area and promptly report equipment defects, near misses, and incidents. PERSONAL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS: Wear the personal protective equipment required by the task and posted machine shop rules, including:
• Safety-toe footwear and safety glasses (side shields or added face protection where required).
• Hearing protection in designated areas.
• Additional task-specific PPE as required. Do not wear loose clothing or gloves near rotating equipment where an entanglement hazard exists.