Entry Level Cnc Operator Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Poclain Hydraulics is a French-owned company specializing in the design, manufacture, and marketing of hydrostatic transmission systems. Our North American operations are based in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, where we support a wide range of industries with innovative, high-performance hydraulic solutions. We are committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement, driven by a global team of passionate professionals.

We're looking for a skilled, hands-on CNC Machining Technician to join our 3rd shift team. This individual thrives in a fast-paced, high-precision manufacturing environment and takes pride in producing quality work. The ideal candidate will have experience setting up and operating CNC equipment, independently changing tooling, making offset adjustments, troubleshooting machining issues, and maintaining part quality with minimal supervision. Experience with Siemens-controlled CNC equipment is highly preferred.

• Set up and operate CNC machining centers, including turning, grinding, and heat-treating equipment.
• Perform machine setups, changeovers, and first-piece validations to ensure production readiness.
• Independently change tooling, replace inserts and cutting tools, and make wear and geometry offset adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy and process capability.
• Monitor machining performance and make tooling and offset corrections as needed to maintain quality and productivity standards.
• Operate and troubleshoot advanced CNC machining systems, including equipment utilizing Siemens and Fanuc controls.
• Read and interpret blueprints, process sheets, work instructions, and engineering specifications.
• Inspect parts using precision measurement tools and accurately document results per process requirements.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality issues, implementing corrective actions within established procedures and escalating complex issues as needed.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and efficiency.
• Train and support entry-level operators as needed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in accordance with 5S standards.
• Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Participate in safety audits and continuous improvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This is a technician-level position, not a machine operator role. Qualified candidates must be comfortable independently changing tooling, replacing inserts, making wear and geometry offset adjustments, troubleshooting machining issues, and maintaining part quality with minimal supervision. Experience with Siemens-controlled CNC equipment is strongly preferred.

• Must be 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English is required.

• Experience operating CNC machining equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Siemens CNC controls is strongly preferred; Fanuc experience is also valued.
• Ability to independently perform machine setups, tooling changes, insert replacement, and offset adjustments.
• Experience troubleshooting machining processes and making corrective tooling or offset changes to maintain part quality.
• Understanding of blueprints, GD amp;T, tolerances, and precision measurement devices.
• Strong knowledge of CNC tooling, cutting parameters, feeds, and speeds.
• Exposure to CMMs, tool setters, or automated machining environments is preferred.
• Basic math skills, including measurement conversion and dimensional calculations.
• Understanding of basic hydraulic principles is preferred.

• Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, cutting materials, and workholding.
• Ability to identify machining issues and make logical mechanical and process adjustments.
• Ability to diagnose dimensional concerns and determine appropriate tooling, offset, or process corrections.
• Hands-on troubleshooting mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to producing quality parts while maximizing machine uptime and efficiency.

• Reliable, consistent attendance and dependability.
• Ability to meet or exceed production and quality targets.
• Attention to detail and a strong quality focus.
• Ability to identify process deviations and take appropriate action.
• Problem-solving within established procedures.
• Ownership and accountability for work output.
• Team-oriented with a willingness to learn and grow.

• Frequent lifting up to 45 lbs. and occasional lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Continuous standing (8-10 hours).
• Manual dexterity for small part manipulation.
• Repetitive upper extremity movement.
• Bilateral hand coordination required.
• Operation of manual, pneumatic, and electric tools requiring trigger activation and steady hand control.
• Carrying and positioning parts at waist and chest level.
• Pushing and pulling carts or bins of materials.
• Frequent walking within the production area.
• Frequent reaching (forward and overhead).
• Bending, stooping, and twisting at the waist.
• Squatting or kneeling as required to access lower areas.
• Stretching and extended arm positioning during production tasks.
• Maintaining balance while handling materials and operating equipment.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read work instructions and drawings, inspect components for defects, and identify markings on precision measuring tools.
• Depth perception and peripheral vision sufficient to safely operate tools and equipment.
• Hearing ability sufficient to detect machine sounds indicating malfunction and hear alarms, safety signals, and verbal instructions in a production environment.
• Exposure to a typical manufacturing environment including mechanical equipment, moving parts, and noise levels requiring hearing protection.
• Required use of PPE, including safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and hearing protection.
• Work performed in a temperature-controlled but industrial setting.

As a Machining Technician, you'll do more than operate equipment. You'll apply your machining expertise to set up machines, change tooling, adjust offsets, troubleshoot production challenges, and drive continuous improvement. Your technical knowledge will directly impact quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

We invest in training, development, and internal mobility, providing opportunities to expand your technical skills and advance your career. As part of a global organization with a strong presence and long-term vision, you'll work alongside a team committed to safety, quality, innovation, and operational excellence.

At Poclain, you're not just making parts. You're helping build the equipment that moves the world.