Machine Operator Jobs in Lexington, KY (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

A machine operator removes, replaces and/or attaches work pieces, tooling, and fixtures to equipment. The operator may monitor and control more than one machine at the same time. The operator will perform pre-shift TPM's (Total Productive Maintenance) on the equipment to ensure machine set up is correct. The operator will maintain production targets while performing required quality checks on the parts. If needed, the operator will adjust machine settings and controls as necessary when problems arise and to maintain part specifications. The machine operator understands the importance of documenting quality checks, change points, and a variety of other metrics related to producing parts.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Sets up and operates numerically controlled equipment to perform machining operations such as turning, boring, facing, threading, hobbing, shaping, piercing/shaving, broaching, drilling, grinding, washing, and meshing
• Operates, loads/unloads material, indicate vices/fixtures, and deburrs
• Reads process sheets, blueprints, and sketches of parts to determine machining to be done, dimensional specifications, set-up, and operating requirements
• Studies blueprints, layouts or process sheets, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and determines material requirements and operational sequences
• Selects and installs preset tooling in tool posts, turrets, or indexing heads, automatic-tool-change magazines, and in-sequence specifications on process sheets as well as shavers, hobs, broaches, drills, grinders, honers and meshers
• Monitors tool wear, adjust offsets, and replaces tooling when necessary, ensuring correct operation of the machine
• Ensures paperwork is complete, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner
• Ensures quality checks are done based on requirements specifications and logs this information in to the PLEX system
• Depresses buttons, toggles, and starts machining operation
• Observes numerical displays on control panels and compares with data on process sheet to verify dimensional adjustments, feed rates, and speeds of machining cuts
• Adjusts machine controls and changes tool settings in order to keep dimensions within specified tolerances
• Turns valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas
• Inspects first-run piece and any other checks based on time frames or part counts as called out by process drawing, using micrometers and precision dial gauges
• May set tools before positioning them in equipment, using precision gauges and instruments
• Establishes and implements ways to reduce set-up times for machining and grinding of various industrial components
• Works with machine tool suppliers to establish productivity improvement ideas that can be executed
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment and follows all safety guidelines

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Watch gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure the machine is operating properly
• Updates job knowledge by participating in training opportunities
• Maintains continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs

Required Experience

• Must have High School diploma or GED Equivalent
• Proficient in math
• CNC Operating experience, a plus
• Capable of reading working drawings
• Meticulous attention to detail and well organized
• Independent and willing to take initiative
• Fluent in reading and writing in the English language
• Able to work in a fast-paced constantly changing environment

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must stand for prolonged periods, manipulate and feel objects, tools or measuring devices, walk and carry items.
• Ability to perform tasks that may include prolonged standing, continuous walking and/or repetitive lifting component parts or assemblies over extended shift lengths
• Frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds is required
• Ability to maneuver around the plant; bend, stoop, lean, squat, move both arms above the head, and move head straight up and down and side to side
• Good hand strength, good finger dexterity, ability to rotate wrist, arms, and shoulders
• Hand-eye coordination, balance and motor skills also are necessary
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision
• Employee must be able to hear, discern, and differentiate noises in a loud environment

Intellectual Requirements

• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Ability to manage several projects and tasks simultaneously
• Full knowledge about the product features and specifications
• Full working knowledge of measuring techniques and gauges (examples: micrometer, cmm, vision system, caliper, ruler, etc.)
• Must be creative, analytical, and detail oriented
• Ability to perform relatively simple mathematical computations with high degree of accuracy
• Employee must possess sound judgment and good logical reasoning abilities
• Must have excellent work habits, including a willingness to work the hours necessary to get the job done, especially when important deadlines cause greater than normal departmental pressures.
• Problem solving-the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Interpersonal Skills- Establish and maintain healthy working relationships by utilizing good interpersonal skills, to interact in a professional manner with other departments, third party vendors and customers.
• Confidentiality-maintains confidentiality, however understands federal and state requirements when dealing with confidential data and reporting.
• Oral communication-the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts meetings.
• Written Communication-the individual edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information.
• Planning/organizing-the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
• Quality control-the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Adaptability-the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Dependability-the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security-the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.