Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA

Experienced CNC Machine Operator Requirements

A skilled and detail-oriented CNC Machine Operator with proven experience in operating, setting up, and maintaining CNC machinery. The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge, the ability to read blueprints, and a commitment to producing high-quality parts with precision and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate CNC machines (mills, lathes, or multi-axis equipment) to produce precision components
• Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and work instructions
• Select appropriate tools, materials, and machine settings for each job
• Monitor machine operations to ensure quality and accuracy
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on CNC equipment
• Inspect finished parts using measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges)
• Adjust machine offsets and programs as needed to maintain tolerances
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment
• Follow all safety procedures and company policies

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification preferred
• 3+ years of CNC machining experience
• Proficiency in reading blueprints and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
• Experience with CNC programming (G-code or CAM software) is a plus
• Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, and materials

Physical Effort Required – Continuous standing, visual acuity, attention to detail and eye-hand coordination is necessary. Must have good dexterity to handle metal components, tools, and operate machinery. Requires standing/moving for entire work shift, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling. and lifting. Physical effort is required to push, pull, and lift various items, tools, machine parts, etc.

General Requirements:

• Ability to safely reach, handle, finger, lift/manipulate tools and/or other items for long periods of time
• Ability to move about the production area freely, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, twist, and/or squat on a frequent basis
• Ability to lift and exert forces up-to 25 lbs. on a frequent basis and 50 lbs. or more occasionally, as needed
• Ability to utilize a variety of standard office equipment such as, multi-line phone system, copy/fax/scanner, computer, etc.
• Ability to work safely and be a reliable Tuson employee contributing to our mission

Goals:

• To promote a team focused, humanistic, positive work environment which creates opportunity for continuous improvement and personal growth
• To supply all customers, both internal and external, with a value-added product that is superior to all competition
• To maximize capacity by improved use of human and technological resources for adequate return on assets and profits
• To lead the industry in manufacturing of critically machined, close tolerance components, and subassemblies
• To utilize all resources associated with manufacturing in an environmentally responsible way

Entry-Level CNC Machine Operator Requirements

Responsible for performing changeovers, control, and operation of CNC equipment for established production machining processes. The ideal candidate will consistently and proficiently produce quality parts using established processes, documented procedures, and written resources.

Essential Functions:

• Perform routine machine changeovers by accessing and loading correct program, changing tooling as specified, changing work holding as needed, and ensuring that the process is running correctly prior to implementing regular production mode.
• Use and understand established control plans (Machine programs, job travelers, Process Inspection Plans, trace sheets when applicable, work instructions and set up sheets or reference documents).
• Identify and make routine and necessary adjustments (machine controls, tool offsets to home or to a tool).
• Measure product accurately using dedicated gaging according to control plan specifications.
• Check product for cleanliness, rust, and burr-free conditions to meet customer expectations.
• Calibrate gaging and refer gaging problems as required.
• Prepare and package product for shipment and/or transfer to next operation according to established procedure.
• Perform secondary operations (counting, cleaning, removing burrs, packaging).
• Operate secondary equipment during process cycle times (CNC saws, washers, tumblers, dabbers, manual equipment, or another CNC machine.)
• Perform thorough TPM checks on machine and complete required documentation.
• Perform necessary housekeeping duties to maintain neat, clean, and safe work environment.
• Follow procedures/methods for non-routine changeovers, adjustments, and offsets.
• Work safely and follow procedures/methods as required to prevent injuries and accidents.
• Complete required documentation accurately, legibly, and on time.
• Attend and participate in Company required meetings and discussions.
• Perform all other job duties as assigned or requested by management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge – High school diploma or equivalent is required. A minimum of 1 year experience as a CNC Operator is preferred but not required.
• Skills/Abilities – Math skills, including measuring (i.e.. fractions and decimals) and keeping count records.
• The ability to be flexible and work cooperatively as a team player is required.
• Good communication skills and ability to work with others is necessary.

Qualifications/Prior Experience:

• Learning Period – Six weeks to three months is required to learn the basic aspects of the job.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making – Determine if machine is set-up and functioning properly to produce quality parts. React to machine and tooling problems that could potentially harm people, equipment, or materials. Determine if parts meet quality standards.
• Relation with Others – Working as a team is necessary as well as maintaining good interpersonal skills and communication ability. Employee has daily contact with area team members, managers and personnel from other manufacturing and support teams.

Work Environment/Other Requirements:

• Equipment Operated – CNC equipment, washers, tumblers, CNC saws, dabbers, and other manual equipment. Process and quality testing equipment, computers, calipers, bore gauges, and other precision measuring devices.
• Working Conditions and Hazards - Work is in a climate-controlled production facility. Frequent exposure to hazards of machine operation and minimal exposure to fumes and chemicals from machine operation. Safety equipment required consists of gloves, safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, and other PPE devices as required. Body jewelry must be post style only, dangling jewelry of any kind is not permitted and hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back.

Physical Effort Required – Continuous standing, visual acuity, attention to detail and eye-hand coordination is necessary. Must have good dexterity to handle metal components, tools, and operate machinery. Requires standing/moving for entire work shift, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling. and lifting. Physical effort is required to push, pull, and lift various items, tools, machine parts, etc.

General Requirements:

• Post high school industrial or mechanical training is strongly preferred
• Successful facility and equipment maintenance experience is strongly preferred Previous experience coordinating a maintenance function is preferred
• Ability to safely reach, handle, finger, lift/manipulate tools and/or other items for long periods of time
• Ability to move about the production area freely, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, twist, and/or squat on a frequent basis
• Ability to lift and exert forces up-to 25 lbs. on a frequent basis and 50 lbs. or more occasionally, as needed
• Ability to utilize a variety of standard office equipment such as, multi-line phone system, copy/fax/scanner, computer, etc.
• Ability to work safely and be a reliable Tuson employee contributing to our mission

Goals:

• To promote a team focused, humanistic, positive work environment which creates opportunity for continuous improvement and personal growth
• To supply all customers, both internal and external, with a value-added product that is superior to all competition
• To maximize capacity by improved use of human and technological resources for adequate return on assets and profits
• To lead the industry in manufacturing of critically machined, close tolerance components, and subassemblies
• To utilize all resources associated with manufacturing in an environmentally responsible way

Engaged in the manufacturing of precision components for various industries. CNC lathing and machining, assembly and testing.