Key Punch Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

POSITION TITLE: CNC Operator I, II, III

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

MANAGER JOB TITLE: CNC Lead / Director of Manufacturing

FTE STATUS: Full-Time

DEPARTMENT: Manufacturing

EXCELTA

Excelta is a premier manufacturer of precision hand tools, specializing in tweezers, pliers, cutters, and small assembly instruments. With over 60 years of expertise, our tools are engineered to meet the highest standards of precision, reliability, and durability. Trusted by professionals in electronics, aerospace, medical device manufacturing, and other industries, Excelta offers a comprehensive range of products designed for intricate and delicate tasks. Our commitment to quality ensures that each tool delivers exceptional performance, making Excelta a trusted name in precision hand tools.

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The CNC Operator is responsible for producing precision components by setting up and operating CNC machines, performing basic tool and part offset adjustments, and inspecting parts to ensure they meet tight tolerances. This role requires loading and unloading parts, running programs safely and efficiently, and responding to quality issues as they arise. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and a solid understanding of basic machining and part inspection principles.

KEY COLLABORATORS

• Manufacturing Technicians
• Precision Grind Operators
• CNC Operators
• Manufacturing Supervisors / Leads 
• Quality Control team members 

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CNC:

• Operates CNC machines safety and efficiently, including loading/unloading parts, performing tool changes and touch-offs, and making basic tool and part offset adjustments as needed
• Interprets and works from blueprints, part drawings and inspection documents to meet tight tolerances
• Monitors machining operations for tool wear or process instability and adjusts as necessary
• Performs routine machine checks, including coolant and lubrication levels, and assists with basic preventative maintenance 
• Ensure proper setup and alignment of workholding and fixturing to maintain part consistency
• Communicate with team members, leads and programmers to troubleshoot and resolve production issues
• Assist in training of less experienced operators as needed

Productivity:

• Accurately log production time and quantities using time keeping and labor report software (LYNQ)
• Read thoroughly and follow all "travelers" (work orders) 
• Maintain production and maintenance logs accurately and in a timely manner
• Proactively manage time and tasks to ensure consistent productivity during shifts, minimizing workflow interruptions or delays to maintain smooth production operations.
• Monitor and optimize production processes to maximize efficiency, and ensure timely completion of manufacturing goals, while maintaining a focus on continuous improvement and waste reduction.

Safety & Environmental:

• Comply with environmental, health, safety, and other plant guidelines.

Quality:

• Perform regular inspections and quality checks on products and processes, ensuring all work meets established standards and specifications, while promptly identifying and addressing any defects or deviations to maintain the highest level of product quality.

Housekeeping/Maintaining a Clean Work Environment:

• Maintain 6S practices. 
• Ensure work area is clean and organized.

Other Duties:

• Participates in periodic safety training. 
• Other activities as they become necessary.

CNC Operator II

Responsibilities (In addition to level I duties):

• Punch programs in and out
• Operate multiple machines simultaneously 
• Perform tool changes and touch offs with accuracy
• Train others on all machine operations

CNC Operator III

Responsibilities (in addition to level I &II duties):

• Ability to operate all machines
• Capable of doing set ups on all machines

Requirements

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education:

• Highschool diploma or GED preferred.
• Certificate or degree in Machining, CNC Programming, Manufacturing or a related technical field is a plus.

Experience, Skills, Capabilities:

• 2+ years of experience operating CNC machines in a production environment 
• Proficient in using standard inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, high gauges and comparators
• Strong understanding of blueprints, part drawings and geometric tolerancing
• Familiarity with quality control standards, documentation practices and shop safety protocols
• Able to follow detailed work instructions and production schedules with minimal oversight
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot minor issues with tooling, offsets or part loading
• Basic computer skills and ability to use shop floor data collection software for job tracking and data entry

TRAITS, ATTRIBUTES & COMPETENCIES

Attention to Detail -Thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Accuracy is an absolute in this position.

Collaboration - Works with fellow employees, is direct and focused.

Communication - Skilled at focused and direct communication, economy of words. 

Drive for results - Demonstrates concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal or external standard of excellence. Shows a passion for improving the delivery of results with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Initiative - Self-starter, knows what needs to be done and keeps their focus on correctly and accurately moving product out the door.  

Problem Solving - Thinks through the situation at hand and draws on past instruction and best practice to try and resolve a problem before asking for help.

Reliability - Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job.

Physical Demands | Work Environment | Tools

Work Location: 100% onsite    

Work Schedule: 40 hours / week

Physical Conditions of Employment:

• Sitting, standing and/or walking 80-90% time
• Kneel, crouch, reach, climb, walk, constant use of hands.
• Speak, read, write in English. 
• Lift up to 30 pounds constantly and up to 50 pounds occasionally

Tools Utilized:

Calipers, micrometers, hand files, microscopes/loupe, gauge blocks, dial indicator, edge finders, protractor, belt grinder, deburring/polishing wheels

Environmental Conditions of employment:

The position will perform most of the work in the manufacturing area 

Exposure to loud noises, dust, oils, and solvents.