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Machinist Starting Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

CNC Machinist

Knightdale, NC · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

This role is for someone starting their career in CNC machining who wants to develop their skills through hands-on experience and mentorship from our senior team. Voxel is a leader in Pulsed ...

CNC Operator

Clayton, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

This role plays a critical part in maintaining product quality through precise machining and ... the organization, starting with the hiring process. It is our priority to remove barriers to ...

Operate a company vehicle with trailer and machinery. * Locate buried facilities near the route of ... Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and ...

Machine Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$442 - $1.0K/wk

Operate a company vehicle with trailer and machinery. * Locate buried facilities near the route of ... Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and ...

Operate a company vehicle with trailer and machinery. * Locate buried facilities near the route of ... Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and ...

Machine Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$51K/yr

Operate a company vehicle with trailer and machinery. * Locate buried facilities near the route of ... Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and ...

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Machinist Starting information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$14

$24

$35

How much do machinist starting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for machinist starting in Raleigh, NC is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $27.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machinist starting, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machinist Starting, you need a basic understanding of machining processes, blueprint reading, and mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma or completion of a vocational training program. Familiarity with manual and CNC machine tools, as well as measurement instruments like calipers and micrometers, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to safety are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure precise manufacturing, minimize errors, and maintain a safe, efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Machinist Starting vs Machinist Apprentice?

AspectMachinist StartingMachinist Apprentice
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical trainingEnrolled in apprenticeship program; technical school often required
Work EnvironmentEntry-level shop floor; supervised tasksOn-the-job training alongside experienced machinists
Job RoleOperates machines, follows blueprints, performs basic maintenanceLearns machine operation, safety, and technical skills

Machinist Starting roles are entry-level positions requiring basic technical knowledge, while Machinist Apprenticeships involve structured training programs combining work and education. Apprenticeships prepare individuals for full machinist roles, whereas starting positions are for those who have completed initial training and are beginning independent work.

What does a machinist starting do?

A machinist is a skilled tradesperson who operates machine tools to create or modify metal parts and tools with precision. Starting machinists typically work with lathes, mills, grinders, and other equipment to cut, shape, and finish parts according to detailed specifications. They read blueprints, measure materials, and ensure the accuracy of their work. As they gain experience, machinists may also perform maintenance on their machines and take on more complex projects.

What types of machines and technologies will I typically work with as a machinist starting, and how much supervision can I expect during my initial months?

As a Machinist Starting, you will commonly operate manual machines such as lathes, mills, and grinders, and may gradually be introduced to basic CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment as you gain experience. During your initial months, expect close supervision and mentorship from experienced machinists or supervisors to ensure safety and accuracy while you learn to read blueprints, set up machines, and measure finished parts. The work environment is usually team-oriented, with frequent collaboration for troubleshooting and process improvement. As you demonstrate skill and reliability, you’ll have opportunities to work more independently and take on more complex tasks.
What job categories do people searching Machinist Starting jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Machinist Starting jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Machinist Starting jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Machinist Starting job openings:

CNC Machinist

Voxel Innovations, Inc.

Knightdale, NC • On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Voxel is seeking a CNC Machinist to learn the setup, operation, and inspection of tight-tolerance parts used in our advanced manufacturing process. This role is for someone starting their career in CNC machining who wants to develop their skills through hands-on experience and mentorship from our senior team.
Voxel is a leader in Pulsed Electrochemical Machining (PECM), an advanced manufacturing process unrivaled in its ability to quickly and accurately machine specialty metal alloys. Our mission is to use PECM and related manufacturing technologies to supply critical, high-value parts to aerospace, energy, and medical customers.


At Voxel, we focus on solving meaningful manufacturing challenges in aerospace, energy, transportation, and healthcare. Our work results in real, tangible products—giving engineers the opportunity to see the direct impact of what they build.
As a CNC Machinist, you will assist with preparing machines, loading tools, setting work offsets, proving out programs, making careful adjustments, running parts, and inspecting your work. Most of our parts are made for Voxel's internal use, including PECM electrodes, fixtures, machine components, and prototype hardware. The work requires patience, precision, and a willingness to learn.  
This is not a button-pusher position. We are looking for someone to collaborate with the team and learn to think through setups, understand drawings, use inspection tools correctly, and grow toward making program edits and eventually programming parts from scratch. We are looking for ambitious individuals who want to do interesting work and learn to rapidly advance their skills. 
About You
You are a strong fit for this role if you:

  • Demonstrate mechanical aptitude and a strong desire to build a career in precision machining
  • Highly trainable, eager to ask questions, and committed to following safety and quality protocols
  • Ambitious and eager to learn
  • Care about accuracy and take ownership of the parts you make
  • Can slow down when needed, check your assumptions, and verify your work
  • Are not satisfied with "close enough" when the print says otherwise
  • Communicate problems early instead of hiding mistakes
  • Open to feedback, advice, and training opportunities to further your skills
  • Want to grow from setup and operation into more advanced machining, inspection, and programming work
  • Like working around engineers, technicians, and other machinists to solve unusual manufacturing problems
  • You align with Voxel’s Core Values: Expect Excellence, Do Right By Others, Always Getting Better, What Would Happen If…

Job Description

  • Assist in the setup and operation of CNC mills and lathes, primarily Okuma equipment today, with the ability to learn additional machines and controllers over time
  • Run existing CNC programs and prove out setups safely and carefully
  • Load tooling, prepare stock, indicate parts, set work offsets, touch off tools, and verify setup conditions
  • Assist in making offsets, tool changes, and minor machine adjustments under the direction of lead operators
  • Support 3-axis machining today and grow toward 4th-axis and 5th-axis work as Voxel expands capabilities
  • Machine tight-tolerance parts, including features and fits below +/-0.001 inch when required
  • Work primarily with stainless steels, along with titanium, aluminum, steels, and other engineering materials
  • Perform first-piece and in-process inspection using manual inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gages, pin gages, height gages, thread gages, and surface plates
  • Read and interpret prints, GD&T, setup sheets, inspection requirements, and CAD/CAM outputs
  • Use or learn CMMs, vision systems, and other advanced inspection tools
  • Identify machining or quality issues and communicate them clearly before parts are scrapped
  • Support manual machining work on mills, lathes, grinders, saws, and related toolroom equipment as needed
  • Opportunity to learn Mastercam programming under the guidance of lead machinists
  • Keep machines, tooling, inspection equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and safe
  • Support occasional urgent projects with paid overtime when necessary
  • Take on other hands-on technical tasks as needed in a growing advanced manufacturing business
  • Primarily day shift, with some flexibility in start/end times. Occasional overtime may be needed for urgent customer or internal projects and will be paid accordingly.

Qualifications

  • 1+ years of CNC machining experience, or completion of a vocational/trade school machining program
  • Willingness to learn to set up and operate CNC mills or lathes with guidance and mentorship
  • Ability to read prints and understand GD&T requirements
  • Experience making tight-tolerance metal parts and inspecting your own work, preferred experience with stainless steel, titanium, and other challenging metals
  • Experience using manual inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, etc. Experience with CMMs and vision systems is nice to have.
  • Ability to make careful offsets, tool adjustments, and basic troubleshooting decisions
  • Strong attention to detail, reliability, curiosity, and willingness to learn
  • MANDATORY REQUIREMENT: Due to U.S. government contract requirements, all employees must be either a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident with a valid I-551 card (green card). Work Visas are not acceptable. Employment eligibility will be verified as part of the hiring process.
  • Submittal of a cover letter describing why you are interested in working at Voxel and our mission.

Training & Professional Development
We invest in our people. As a new hire, you will work closely with our senior engineering team to master Voxel’s proprietary electrochemical manufacturing processes. We value curiosity and technical aptitude; we provide the hands-on environment and mentorship necessary to build expertise in advanced manufacturing systems that aren't found anywhere else.
For a motivated setup machinist, this role can grow into:

  • More advanced CNC setup ownership
  • Mastercam programming
  • 4th-axis and 5th-axis machining
  • More advanced inspection and metrology
  • Fixture and workholding development
  • Greater ownership of machining process improvement


Why This Role Matters
This is an ideal role for someone who wants to build real skill, make challenging parts, and contribute to a growing company doing technically difficult work.
 

Why Join Voxel?

  • Real Impact: You are building tangible products for the aerospace, medical, and energy industries. You see the direct result of your work.
  • Innovation-Driven Culture: We align with our core values: Expect Excellence, Do Right By Others, Always Getting Better, and What Would Happen If…
  • Core Values: Expect Excellence, Do Right By Others, Always Getting Better, What Would Happen If…
  • Comprehensive Support: We offer competitive benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off to ensure you and your family are supported.

Voxel Innovations Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The above job description does not constitute a promise or guarantee of employment.

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