CNC Milling Operator 1 in Wheeling, Illinois at ERA Industries

Position Summary

The CNC Milling Operator 1 is an entry-level CNC milling production role responsible for safely operating assigned CNC milling machines on established, proven jobs. The position focuses on loading and unloading parts, following work instructions, performing basic in-process checks, maintaining part flow, and escalating issues to higher-level operators, machinists, or supervision.

This role is intended for employees with experience in foundational CNC milling, inspection, quality, and shop discipline skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate assigned CNC milling machines (3 axis and 4 axis) on approved production jobs.
• Load and unload parts.
• Follow documented work instructions, inspection plans, and traveler requirements.
• Perform basic part cleaning, deburring, and packaging as required.
• Use basic precision measurement tools and techniques as instructed including but not limited to calipers, micrometers, go/no-go gauges, etc.
• Identify and escalate to supervisor obvious part defects, tool issues, machine alarms, or process abnormalities.
• Notify the lead, setup machinist, or supervisor when parts are out of tolerance or when machine issues occur.
• Accurately record job data and labor in the ERP system and required paperwork, including but not limited to proper part counts, lot control, labor time, and quality data.
• Independently keep work area clean, organized, and safe.
• Maintain production efficiency and quality standards.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures including but not limited to guidelines related to safety, quality, ethics, and attendance.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Basic mechanical aptitude and hand tool abilities.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic blueprint knowledge required.
• Basic measuring tool familiarity required.
• Willingness to learn precision CNC milling operations, shop math, and inspection methods.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma, equivalent diploma, or GED required.
• Previous machining experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of performing repetitive actions that entail using fine and gross motor skills, bending, and stooping.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift parts/materials with a minimum of 50 pounds at a time.
• Visual acuity to read instructions, operate machines, and inspect parts produced.

Decision Authority

• May run assigned production only after job has been set up and approved.
• May not make independent program changes.
• May not make independent offset changes unless specifically authorized.
• Must escalate machine alarms, quality concerns, tooling issues, and unclear instructions.

This position involves access to export-controlled information and/or items. To be eligible, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be able to perform all job duties in compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations without current or future employer-sponsored export authorization.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications associated with this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or working conditions. Responsibilities and duties may change at any time based on business needs, and the employee may be required to perform other tasks as assigned.